JUST two fines were issued for dog fouling in Clare during 2025, according to figures released as part of a Vision Ireland campaign highlighting obstacles faced by people who are blind or vision impaired.
Data gathered by Vision Ireland shows Clare County Council issued two fines for dog fouling in 2025.
The number of dog fouling fines issued in Clare has fallen sharply in recent years, from four in 2021 to two in 2022 and just one in both 2023 and 2024.
The figures were released as part of Vision Ireland’s Clear Our Paths campaign, which is raising awareness of everyday obstacles faced by people who are blind or vision impaired when using footpaths.
Nationally, 44 dog-fouling fines were issued by local authorities during 2025, down from 48 the previous year.
Kerry recorded the highest number with 12 fines, while 17 local authorities issued no fines for dog fouling.
Vision Ireland said dog fouling can present a slipping hazard and can also create particular difficulties for people who use long canes.
A survey of 220 people who are blind or vision impaired found that 99% had been affected by temporary obstacles such as dog waste.
One respondent said: “If dog foul gets on the ball of my cane, I am unable to see it to clean it myself. It can end up on my hands when I fold my cane.”
The figures also show that 133 fines were issued in Clare during 2025 for parking on footpaths.
Across Ireland, local authorities recorded more than 21,000 fines for motorists parking on footpaths during the year.
Vision Ireland said parked cars were another significant obstacle for people who are blind or vision impaired.
In its survey, 69% of respondents said parked cars were the most common obstacle blocking their route when using a footpath, while 65% identified parked cars as the obstacle causing them the greatest difficulty.
One respondent said: “Since the footpath is usually narrow I have to side step past a car. I am forced to step down on to the road, which I don’t feel safe doing.”
Vision Ireland is calling on members of the public to consider the impact that obstacles such as dog waste and illegally parked cars can have on people who are blind or vision impaired.
The charity’s Clear Our Paths campaign ran from September 28 to October 2, with further awareness activity continuing across social media until the end of October.
The on-the-spot fine for dog fouling increased from €150 to €250 on September 1.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
