*Photograph: Joe Buckley

Dog fouling has been described as โ€œa massive problemโ€ in Sixmilebridge with footpaths left in โ€˜a disgracefulโ€™ state by canines in the area.

A social media campaign is to be initiated by Clare County Councilโ€™s environment section in light of the concerns raised on the high amount of faeces scattered throughout Sixmilebridge.

Labelled by Cllr John Crowe (FG) as an โ€œongoing problemโ€, he requested a pilot scheme be implemented in Sixmilebridge โ€œon measures to eliminate dog fouling on footpathsโ€. Senior executive engineer, Brendan Flynn in response detailed their plans to raise awareness on dog fouling and owner responsibility through social media campaigns.

โ€œThere are permanent metal signs and foam signs placed in different areas around Sixmilebridge and Shannon. This campaign will also be promoted through our Greener Clare programme and in print in The Clare Echoโ€™s weekly green page,โ€ Flynn stated. He outlined that random spot checks would be carried out with fines to be issued.

โ€œThis is a massive problem,โ€ Cllr Crowe told the January meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. โ€œThe problem about the footpaths is that there are dogs being brought out, the dogs are leaving their business after them and itโ€™s being left there, it is all over the paths. I met a lady out the other day, she had a pushchair and the four wheels were destroyed by dog foulingโ€. He added, โ€œThe paths are a disgrace the way they have been left by the dogsโ€.

Several complaints have been aired on the matter, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) noted as he seconded the motion. โ€œItโ€™s down to the attitude of people, they need to take responsibility for animals on the footpath, there are signs there, the dogs mustnโ€™t be reading themโ€.

Newmarket-on-Fergus had the โ€œsame problem for many years,โ€ Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) recalled. โ€œA dog is our best friend but the problem is the people who should know better and act responsibly arenโ€™t doing soโ€. He believed that it was โ€œheartbreakingโ€ to see young children walking on dog fouling infested footpaths and called for stricter measures to be introduced. โ€œMost people will react in a positive manner but if the minority were brought to court then they would take noticeโ€.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) admitted, โ€œI have found Ennis to be worst of the lot, I have never seen anything like it on the Tulla Rd. It is not just children and parents with buggies, there are people on wheelchairs who get caughtโ€. He concluded, โ€œI see The Clare Echo has a green column so Iโ€™m sure they will highlight itโ€.

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