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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, January 27, 2020

QUESTION NO. 13

QUESTION: Councillor Teresa Costello

"To ask the CEO how many fines have been issued in 2019 for Dog Fouling in the Tallaght area broken down by location?" 

REPLY:

"Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997, as amended (the Act), states that ....."the person in charge of a dog is subject to a fine or prosecution if he/she does not immediately remove any faeces deposited by their dog in certain places, and/or if that person fails to ensure that the dog litter is properly disposed of in a suitable sanitary manner".

In 2019, three fines were issued for dog fouling, none of which were issued in the Tallaght area. The difficulty with enforcement of Section 22 is the requirement for witness testimony, to report that the offence happened and that an identified person is the person in charge of the dog.  The Council continues to encourage residents groups and/or individuals to assist the Warden Service in this regard.

Dog litter, if properly bagged can be disposed of in a standard litter bin. The Council provides standard type litter bins in its main parks and at the dog runs which have been provided in those parks. In total there are approximately 130 litter bins provided at parks locations in the County, this number has increased in recent years and will continue to increase as the need arises. There are a further 650 litter bins provided on streets and in villages and urban centres. Dog litter stickers have been piloted on existing litter bins demonstrating that these receptacles are suitable for such litter.

Dog Litter Signage (3 different designs x 100 of each) is available and requests for signage are considered on a case by case basis and signs are only erected on demonstrated need. The location of the request is examined for suitability and if deemed suitable signs can be erected. If there is/are registered group(s) in existence in an area, signage may be provided directly to the group through the Social Credit Scheme with the caveat that such signage erected must have due regard for public health and safety, and must not impede visibility or restrict traffic, cycling and pedestrian flow. Also, if it is proposed to co-use a pole, authorisation will be required. Alternatively, requests are added to the current signage waiting list, pending determination of suitability, and availability of resources for signage erection.

The Green Dog Walker (GDW) initiative is promoted on an ongoing basis through, but not limited to, social media campaigns and promotional material at popup stands in the Council's public buildings. As the Green Dog Walker initiative is a community led initiative a GDW pop up stand has also been made available to community groups for use at community events, which several groups have already availed of.

The Council continues to develop and improve existing strategies and action plans for the management of litter within the county which includes dog foul, and this will continue in 2020."