Trying to get dog waste bins installed is “like asking to launch the SpaceX to the moon,” a councillor has claimed.
The issue arose at a meeting of Boyle Municipal District where frustration was voiced over the issue.
Cathaoirleach of the municipal district Cllr Sean Moylan said that there is a huge need for bins for people to dispose of dog waste in Strokestown.
He highlighted that millions of euro are being spent on the public realm scheme in the town, but he had been unable to secure dog waste bins, which he estimated would only cost €30 to €40 each and just two of them were required. He said works are ongoing to develop wider footpaths and create an attractive aesthetic, but this is being hampered by dog fouling.
He added that there are dispensers in the town for bags, which people can use to pick up after their pets but there are no bins to get rid of the used bags. The local Tidy Towns is prepared to come on board to help, with Cllr Moylan adding, “this is a bananas situation.” He said he spoke with the environmental section of the council to try and resolve the issue.
An increase in dog fouling fines is presently being considered, but Cllr Moylan said it was important that people have somewhere to dispose of the waste.
He praised the Tidy Towns volunteers for all the work they do, noting this was “free work” for the council and added that all the council needed to do was to provide the bins.
*Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
