In 2021, eleven local authorities issued zero fines for dog fouling, according to records obtained by NCBI.
Kildare County Council issued just three fines for dog fouling in 2021, according to figures obtained by the NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland.)
Based on figures supplied by 22 of the 31 Local Authorities, very few fines have been issued for dog fouling, as permitted under Section 22 of The Litter Pollution Act.
In 2021, eleven local authorities had issued 0 fines for dog fouling.
Kerry County Council had dramatically increased fines issued between 2020 and 2021. No fines were issued in 2020, jumping to 31 fines issued in 2021.
While Kerry County Council is an outlier with such a large increase, the vast majority of Councils have issued very few or no fines in 2021 which may highlight a lack of enforcement but also indicates the threat of receiving a fine is not a strong enough deterrent to encourage pet owners to pick up after their dogs.
NCBI has launched its annual Clear Our Paths campaign aimed at creating a safer and cleaner environment on streets for people who are blind or vision impaired to get around independently.
NCBI’s #ClearOurPaths campaign will run across social media until August 19th, highlighting the different obstacles each day. It is encouraging others to join them by sharing on their social media channels too.
June Tinsley, NCBI Head of Advocacy and Communications commented: “This campaign is aimed at informing and educating people on the impact that temporary obstacles and shared spaces have on people who have sight loss.
"Everyday obstacles such as cars parked on footpaths, dog fouling, overhanging branches, wheelie bins etc., can obstruct or injure someone who is blind or vision impaired as they try to navigate past safely.
"We are encouraging people to be mindful of these obstacles and remove them to ensure our footpaths are safe and clean," she added.
As part of this campaign, NCBI has created a webpage aimed at supporting members of the public to have conversations with family members and friends about the importance of their own behaviour.
Records of dog fouling fines per County Council 2021
Carlow |
1 |
Cavan |
2 |
Clare |
0 |
Cork |
7 |
Donegal |
No figure provided |
Dublin City Council |
0 |
Dun Laoghaire -Rathdown |
0 |
Fingal |
15 |
Galway City |
0 |
Galway County |
2 |
Kerry |
31 |
Kildare |
3 |
Kilkenny |
0 |
Laois |
No figure provided |
Leitrim |
0 |
Limerick City & County |
4 |
Longford |
No figure provided |
Louth |
9 |
Mayo |
No figure provided |
Meath |
0 |
Monaghan |
0 |
Offaly |
0 |
Roscommon |
No figure provided |
Tipperary |
0 |
Sligo |
1 |
South Dublin |
2 |
Waterford |
No figure provided |
Westmeath |
0 |
Wexford |
No figure provided |
Wicklow |
No figure provided |