Kildare dog owners encouraged to ‘Clear Our Paths’ as part of Vision Ireland campaign

Dog owners throughout County Kildare 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 (formerly known as the National Council for the Blind of Ireland) published a survey exploring people who are blind or vision impaired’s experiences of footpath obstacles.

According to the survey, over a third of respondents were impacted by by dog waste in public spaces.

A spokesperson for Vision Ireland elaborated: "Not only does dog fouling present a slipping hazard, but it can also be a problem for white cane users whose canes are often dirtied by faeces. 

"There were no dog fouling fine issued in Kildare in 2023.

"Overall, very few dog fouling fines were issued across the country — just 46, a reduction of 36 fines from 2022."

They added: "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."

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However, the spokesperson also said that while the number of fines issued across the country was low, Vision Ireland has welcomed efforts by local authorities to help reduce dog fouling.

They explained: "A number of councils have run awareness campaigns in order to highlight the issue of dog fouling.

"Meath County Council developed responsible dog ownership information leaflets.

"Clare County Council provides dog litter bags at its area offices and other busy locations within its jurisdiction.

"Both Tipperary County Council and Longford County Council provide Mutt Mitts, which allow dog owners to dispose of dog waste safely."

The spokesperson further noted that cars parked on footpaths also have an adverse impact on the ability of people who are blind or vision impaired to navigate public spaces: "70 per cent of survey respondents identified parked cars as blocking their route when using public paths. 

"Data provided by local authorities revealed that over 22,000 fines were issued to motorists who parked on footpaths."

"There were 443 parking on footpath fines issued in Kildare in 2023," they concluded.

Kevin Kelly, who is the Head of Policy, Partnerships and External Affairs at Vision Ireland, also gave his views on the matter.

He said: "Parked cars and dog waste are two of the biggest hazards people who are blind and vision impaired in Kildare 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."

Mr Kelly concluded: "If everyone takes more responsibility for their actions, we can work towards making paths in Kildare safer for all."

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Chantelle Smith, Vision Ireland’s National Access and Mobility Manager, also said: "When people who are blind and vision impaired encounter obstacles like parked cars on footpaths, they often result in them having to take the decision to step off the footpath onto the roadway into traffic.

"Unfortunately, this places them at significant risk as drivers may not be expecting them to do so as it is not a crossing point."

Ms Smith added: "Vision Ireland is calling on the public and motorists alike to be considerate of the needs of vulnerable pedestrians."

Vision Ireland is encouraging motorists in Kildare, as well as dog owners, to consider any hazards they may be creating and how they can affect people who are blind or vision impaired.

The organisation has created a dedicated web page to assist those in learning more about how to 'Clear Our Paths.'

For further information, visit https://vi.ie/policy-advocacy/latest-campaigns/clear-our-paths/.