Zero dog fouling fines in Cork city
Just 48 fines were issued nationwide in 2024 for dog fouling and Cork City Council handed out none of those.
Cork County Council issued 11 fines, the highest number in the country. In 2023, only 46 fines were issued nationally, down from 82 in 2022.
Vision Ireland said dog fouling is a serious public safety issue. It can affect anyone, but people who are blind or vision impaired are especially at risk. White canes can get covered in waste and, when folded up, this creates hygiene and health risks.
The charity is running its Clear Our Paths campaign this week, highlighting everyday obstacles faced by people with vision loss. A survey of 281 people who are blind or vision impaired found that 42% often encounter dog waste on footpaths.
One respondent said: “Dog fouling gets all over my cane and shoes, and I don’t realise. If I’m folding up my cane, it gets on my hands. It’s embarrassing and disgusting.”
Vision Ireland is asking dog owners to clean up after their pets and think about others who share the footpaths.
Cars parked on footpaths are another major hazard. The survey found 71% of respondents say parked cars regularly block their route. Dublin tops the list with 4,703 fines for illegal parking, followed by Cork City Council in second place with 2,347. Cork County Council shows a stark contrast, issuing just 118 fines for parking on footpaths last year. At the very bottom, Roscommon issued no fines at all.
The risks are real. Stepping off a blocked footpath often means walking into traffic. One respondent recalled: “I was trying to avoid a parked car and tripped over a protruding curb. I fell hard, injuring my hands, shins, and face. It was very sore, not to mention embarrassing.”
Vision Ireland is urging motorists to think twice before leaving their car on a path. Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy and External Affairs at Vision Ireland, said: “It’s unacceptable that people who are blind or vision impaired must put themselves in danger to avoid parked cars. The health and hygiene issues around dog waste are equally alarming.”
The Clear Our Paths campaign runs until 22 August. Vision Ireland is encouraging everyone to be more considerate and help make footpaths safer for all.