COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

"That this committee requests that (a) bins specifically for “Dog Fowling” material be provide in or adjacent to public parks under this Area Committee on a pilot bases and (b) that an enclosed “dog run” be provided in Waterstown Park given that this Parkland contains precious sets and bird nesting making it prohibitive to let dogs exercise freely under control of the dog walker."

REPORT:

A review of litter bins was initiated in 2017 and the provision of dog litter specific bins was considered. The review concluded that the provision of dog litter specific bins would require a major change to the existing collection operation.   It is not Council policy to provide separate bins for separate types of waste and no change is proposed in that regard. 

Every bin provided by the Council, of which there are in excess of 650, whether on street or in a public park is available for the disposal of light litter including dog waste and is considered the best approach.

Under Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, where faeces has been deposited by a dog in any place to which the section applies, the person in charge of the dog shall immediately remove the faeces and shall ensure that it is properly disposed of in a suitable sanitary manner. 

The Council provides dog litter bags directly to dog owners when they purchase a new dog licence and when they renew an existing licence. The Council also participates in the Green Dog Walker Programme.  The Green Dog Walkers Programme is a non-confrontational, friendly way to change people's attitudes about dog fouling.  It is a community based scheme where volunteers in the community can adopt and promote in their own area.  Members of the public can apply through Social Credits at www.socialcredits.ie 

Volunteers who become Green Dog Walkers are provided with an armband and bone shaped bag dispenser and commit to the following -

• wear the armband or put the Green Dog Walker collar on their dog when out walking
• clean up after their dog
• carry extra dog waste bags
• be happy to be approached to lend a dog waste bag to those without
• be a friendly reminder to other dog walkers to clean up after their dogs 

A tender will be advertised in January for the provision of an enclosed dog run in Waterstown Park at the location indicated on the attached map.