Blind people in Ireland have to go to England to get guide dogs and attend training courses.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has called for the establishment of an Irish centre to train guide dogs.
At present there are only twenty seven adults in Ireland with guide dog. It is estimated that up to five hundred visually impaired people could live more independent lives if they had a guide dog.
Peg Lyons from Blackrock has been blind for the last eighteen years. She goes about her daily business accompanied by her guide dog Bella. She describes a wonderful feeling of independence Bell has provided.
There is no guide dog training centre in Ireland, which means that Irish people must travel to England, and pay privately for the service. This expense rules out the possibility of having a guide dog..
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is currently raising finance to establish a training centre in Ireland.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 12 November 1975. The reporter is Ronnie Turner.
