Hopes of pet poop progress as council promises bins

Dog walkers in some areas of the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District look set to be relieved of the necessity to carry bags of pet poop for long distances: additional dog waste bins are to be provided “at appropriate locations”, Cllr Ken Glynn was promised at the April meeting.

The information came in response to a request by Cllr Glynn that the district dog waste bins along the Old Rail Trail and along all pedestrian routes around the town.

The full response stated that the council’s Draft Litter Management Plan 2024-2026 sets out its commitment for managing litter in the Mullingar Kinnegad Municipal District.

“As part of the 2024 programme of works, additional dog waste bins will be provided at appropriate locations,” it concluded.

Cllr Glynn welcomed the announcement, saying he had frequently informed officials of the level of frustration among the public. He said everyone had seen the evidence of people picking up the poop, but then getting tired of carrying the bag, and leaving the bags on the greenway.

He said he hoped the “appropriate locations” referred to were along the greenway, but also on the long stretch between Ardleigh and the hospital, at Robinstown, up the Dublin Road and along the Joe Dolan Bridge.

Fines

At the same meeting, Cllr Carol Okeke asked what fines have been issued for dogs fouling in Mullingar. The response from the district stated that no fines have been issued in the area so far in 2024.

“In order for Westmeath County Council to issue a fine under the Litter Pollution Act (1997-2009), an authorised officer must actually witness the dog fouling,” the reply explained, adding that alternatively, a member of the public who witnesses the offence must be willing to complete a witness statement with full details of the incident.

The response added that a fixed penalty fine of €150 is issued on foot of the evidence supplied, but if that remains unpaid, the matter can be pursued in the district court. To secure a prosecution in court, the person who witnesses the fouling will be requested to act as a witness and testify in court.

Cllr Okeke accepted the issue of dog fouling is difficult to police, but hoped people would comply with the rules.