Nick Delehanty has closed Barkleys Boutique Doggie Daycare after four years, saying the Dublin-area business was no longer viable. The company entered a voluntary creditors’ liquidation, resulting in the loss of 10 jobs and ending a service that transported dogs from owners’ homes to a 10-acre farm in north County Dublin.
Nick Delehanty closes Barkleys dog daycare service
The closure is the latest development in Ireland’s small-business sector, where rising operating expenses can place significant pressure on companies with high transport and staffing costs. Delehanty said Barkleys had experienced a difficult 2026 and could not absorb the increasing cost of diesel and other expenses.
“The business is no longer viable,” Delehanty said, describing the company’s closure as a very sad day. He did not disclose the total value of Barkleys’ liabilities.
The business provided daytime care for dogs, collecting animals from their homes in the morning, bringing them to a farm outside Dublin and returning them in the afternoon. Its published pricing indicated a daily charge of €54 for the collection and return service, while a drop-in option cost €34.
Key facts
- Barkleys Boutique Doggie Daycare has entered voluntary creditors’ liquidation.
- The closure has resulted in the loss of 10 jobs.
- The company operated a dog transport and daycare service in north County Dublin.
- Rising diesel and other operating costs were cited as major pressures.
- Mícheál Leydon of Outlook Accountants was appointed liquidator.
Why the Dublin dog daycare business closed
Delehanty described Barkleys as a cost-intensive operation. The business required vehicles, fuel, staff and a suitable rural site capable of accommodating dogs throughout the day. That model created a broad cost base, particularly as fuel and other business expenses increased.
According to abridged financial statements signed in August, Barkleys recorded a profit of €23,341 in 2025, following a loss of €11,083 in 2024. Despite the reported profit, the company had net liabilities of €47,606 at the end of 2025.
The figures underline the difference between a company reporting a profit in one year and having enough cash to meet ongoing obligations. A business can remain under pressure when costs rise quickly, customers reduce spending or liabilities accumulate over time.
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Liquidation process explained
A company meeting held on Tuesday passed a resolution stating that Barkleys could not continue trading because of its liabilities and that winding up the company was advisable. This is known as a creditors’ voluntary winding up.
Mícheál Leydon, of Outlook Accountants in Tallaght, Dublin, was appointed liquidator. In a creditors’ voluntary liquidation, an insolvent company’s affairs are placed under the control of a liquidator, who works through the company’s assets, liabilities and outstanding obligations in line with the applicable process.
The liquidation may affect employees, creditors, suppliers and customers who have unresolved financial or contractual issues with the business. The source report did not provide details about customer refunds, outstanding bookings or the timing of any further updates.
Delehanty’s political background
Delehanty is also known for his unsuccessful political campaigns. He sought support for a nomination to contest the presidential election but did not secure the required local authority backing. He later campaigned unsuccessfully in the general and local elections.
His political platform included criticism of multiculturalism and public spending on international protection. During one campaign, he used the slogan “make crime illegal”.
When asked whether he might return to politics, Delehanty said that such a move was not on the immediate horizon. He said his current priority was getting through the consequences of the company’s closure.
What happens next for Barkleys employees and creditors?
The liquidator will manage the company’s wind-up and assess its financial position. Employees and creditors will need to follow the formal procedures provided by the liquidator for claims and information about the company’s affairs.
For readers following Ireland News and Dublin News, the case also highlights several practical issues for service businesses:
- Transport-heavy companies can be particularly exposed to fuel-price increases.
- Reported annual profits do not necessarily remove cash-flow pressure.
- Staff, suppliers and customers may all be affected when a company enters liquidation.
- Formal notices from the liquidator are the most reliable source for details about claims and next steps.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Barkleys Boutique Doggie Daycare?
The north Dublin dog daycare company entered a voluntary creditors’ liquidation after its owner said the business was no longer viable.
How many jobs were lost?
The closure resulted in the loss of 10 jobs.
What services did Barkleys provide?
Barkleys collected dogs from owners’ homes, brought them to a 10-acre farm for daytime care and returned them later in the day. It also offered a drop-in service.
Who is handling the liquidation?
Mícheál Leydon of Outlook Accountants in Tallaght was appointed liquidator.
Conclusion
This Breaking News Ireland story shows how quickly rising operating costs can undermine a specialist service business, even after a year in which it reported a profit. Barkleys’ closure affects its 10 employees and leaves the company’s creditors and customers awaiting further information from the liquidation process. Delehanty has ruled out an immediate political return, saying his focus now is dealing with the consequences of the business winding up.
