Dog owners across the Northern Sound region are being encouraged to clean up after their dogs as part of Vision Ireland's campaign, Clear Our Paths. The call comes after Vision Ireland published a survey exploring people who are blind or vision impaired's experiences of footpath obstacles.
There were no dog fouling fine issued in Cavan and Monaghan in 2023. Overall, very few dog fouling fines were issued across the country - just 46, a reduction of 36 fines from 2022. Kerry County Council had the highest number of fines for dog fouling offences, with just 13 issued. 18 out of the 31 local authorities issued no fines at all. Cars parked on footpaths also have an adverse impact on the ability of people who are blind or vision impaired to navigate public spaces. According to the survey there were 5 parking on footpath fines issued in Monaghan in 2023 while there was 2 fines issued in Cavan.
Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy, Partnerships and External Affairs at Vision Ireland said, "Parked cars and dog waste are two of the biggest hazards people who are blind and vision impaired in Cavan face on our footpaths. The number of parking fines issued alone is astounding and gives an idea of the many thousands of obstacles people with sight loss face in their daily lives. Fines alone will not solve these problems. We must all work together and do our part to clear our paths. If everyone takes more responsibility for their actions, we can work towards making paths in Cavan safer for all."
