COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 11, 2022

QUESTION NO. 7

QUESTION: Councillor Lyn Hagin Meade

To ask the Chief Executive if an audit of the impact of dog fouling on wheelchair and those using mobility aids in the SDCC area is under consideration?

REPLY:

In 2020 surveys were carried out in 4 Parks around the county to accurately ascertain the level of dog fouling in those parks.The report indicated that dog fouling levels were relatively low in the context of the numbers visiting the parks surveyed. Measures to deter dog fouling such as increased signage and audio devices, were installed at that time at specific problematic areas. The surveys were repeated at the same four locations in 2021 and an improvement was noted. The surveys were carried out in the context of the impact of dog fouling on all park users including wheelchair users and those using mobility aids. 

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 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.

The council continues to raise awareness on the issue of Dog fouling and has mounted a number of campaigns on radio, newspapers and on social media in that regard. To encourage responsible dog ownership and ensure a cleaner environment for everybody, a new Dog Fouling Awareness Campaign - Help Scally be a good boy! is being launched on Monday July 4th, the campaign features the adorable “Scally” the dog in a series of videos which highlight the consequences of not picking up the poop. Whether under the cover of darkness, in a field or on the beach remember “Your dog’s poop could end up anywhere! Always Pick it up!”

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. Currently, dog litter stickers are being piloted on existing litter bins demonstrating that these receptacles are suitable for such litter.

Dog Litter Signage is available and requests for signage are considered on a case by case basis and signs are 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.

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 which 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 -