*Photograph: Joe Buckley
Dog fouling has been described as “a massive problem” in Sixmilebridge with footpaths left in ‘a disgraceful’ state by canines in the area.
A social media campaign is to be initiated by Clare County Council’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 “ongoing problem”, he requested a pilot scheme be implemented in Sixmilebridge “on measures to eliminate dog fouling on footpaths”. Senior executive engineer, Brendan Flynn in response detailed their plans to raise awareness on dog fouling and owner responsibility through social media campaigns.
“There 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 Echo’s weekly green page,” Flynn stated. He outlined that random spot checks would be carried out with fines to be issued.
“This is a massive problem,” Cllr Crowe told the January meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. “The problem about the footpaths is that there are dogs being brought out, the dogs are leaving their business after them and it’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 fouling”. He added, “The paths are a disgrace the way they have been left by the dogs”.
Several complaints have been aired on the matter, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) noted as he seconded the motion. “It’s down to the attitude of people, they need to take responsibility for animals on the footpath, there are signs there, the dogs mustn’t be reading them”.
Newmarket-on-Fergus had the “same problem for many years,” Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) recalled. “A dog is our best friend but the problem is the people who should know better and act responsibly aren’t doing so”. He believed that it was “heartbreaking” to see young children walking on dog fouling infested footpaths and called for stricter measures to be introduced. “Most people will react in a positive manner but if the minority were brought to court then they would take notice”.
Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) admitted, “I 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 caught”. He concluded, “I see The Clare Echo has a green column so I’m sure they will highlight it”.
