Council issued zero fines for dog fouling
Data gathered by Vision Ireland has revealed that just 44 dog fouling fines were issued by Local Authorities across the country in 2025.
CARLOW Co Council issued no fines for dog fouling in 2025, according to new data gathered by Ireland’s sight loss agency, Vision Ireland.
Carlow was one of 16 local authorities that did not issue a single fine for dog fouling during the year, with only 44 fines issued nationwide.
Vision Ireland conducted a survey of 220 people who are blind or vision impaired, with 99% of respondents saying they were affected by obstacles such as dog waste, which can be particularly difficult for cane users.
One survey respondent said that if dog waste gets on the ball of their cane, they are unable to see it and it can end up on their hands when they fold the cane.
Local authorities are responsible for enforcing dog fouling laws and a new on-the-spot fine of €250 for dog owners came into effect on 1 September.
However, Vision Ireland says the low number of fines remains a problem, with 77% of its survey respondents believing the increase will not make a difference to what they experience every day.
As well as dog fouling, the data gathered highlighted the impact of cars parked illegally on footpaths on people who are blind or vision impaired.
In 2025, Carlow Co Council issued 74 fines for parking on footpaths, while 21,232 fines were issued nationally.
Almost 70% of survey respondents said parked cars are the most common obstacle blocking their route when using a footpath.
Head of policy and external affairs at Vision Ireland, Kevin Kelly, said dog fouling and cars parked on footpaths pose “serious health and safety issues” to people who are blind or vision impaired.
“People who are blind or vision impaired face constant obstacles when using footpaths in Ireland,” Mr Kelly said.
“Vision Ireland would like to see increased monitoring and enforcement, but we know that fines alone will not solve the problem. All members of the public need to take responsibility and consider the needs of people who are blind or vision impaired,” he added.
