Councillor kicks up stink over dog poo fines

Galway City Tribune – It has been claimed Galway City Council doesn’t give a crap about ‘dog do’, as new figures reveal just two fines were issued for dog fouling in a year.

Independent city councillor, Collette Connolly, said the local authority is failing in its duty to enforce litter laws in relation to dog fouling on city streets, footpaths and parks.  The latest figures from the City Hall shows that two fines were issued last year for dog fouling, generating a paltry €200 in revenue.

Head of Finance, Edel McCormack, revealed the amount during debate on the Council’s financial accounts for 2017.

A total of €11,000 in income was generated last year from litter fines issued under the Litter Management Act.

The litter on-the-spot fines are €150 and the dog fines are €100 per offence.

Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of the City Council, said dog owners whose pets are caught fouling in public areas are issued with tickets – but they must be caught in the act.

Cllr Connolly said it was “scandalous” and confirmed her suspicion that there was a lack of leadership from management of Galway City Council in relation to this issue.
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