Increases to litter and dog foul fines ‘welcome news’, says Cork councillor 

Independent councillor for the Cork City South East ward, Kieran McCarthy, has welcomed the newly announced increase in the prescribed fine for littering and dog fouling.

The increase, seeing fines for littering and dog fouling jump from €150 to €250, was announced by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment this week, and will come into effect from September 1.

Minister of state at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, with special responsibility for the circular economy, Alan Dillon, said the increase will “act as a stronger deterrent [and] will encourage greater compliance and promote more responsible behaviour”.

He said while the problem “seems to have lessened very much in recent years on public paths and roads” across Mahon and Blackrock, the increase in the fine price comes as “very welcome news”.

Extra financial resources 

“Cork City Council needs extra financial resources to employ more dog wardens on the ground,” said Mr McCarthy.

“This would make the fines system more effective, targeted, and more visible.

“It is impossible for the council’s one dog warden to be everywhere.

“A big issue I get [from constituents] is dogs being left off in estates and green areas,” he added.

“Owners are then not picking up after them, and a child runs on top of the fouling.

“There has also been a handful of incidents whereby dogs are let foul on walking routes to schools, and no pick-up of dog soiling [happens].

“However, in saying all of that, the very large numbers of dog owners in the area who pick up after their dog is to be applauded.

“The council’s consistent campaign on dog fouling and general calls in society to pick up after your dog is working in the South East of the city, but education and pushing needs to remain.”