Dog poo is invading Clane streets and scenic routes

Community activists in a Co Kildare community are appealing for dog owners to clean up after themselves.

Clane Community Council Chairperson, Des Drumm, tells of how while running along the Riverside Walk, he is forced to look out for dog poo.

Mr Drumm said: "I try to run on the grass and I have to watch very carefully. You should be able to walk and run, and enjoy the scenery."

On a number of occassions, Mr Drumm has seen bags of dog poo flung on trees or along the river. He is appealing for people to throw the bags into bins.

Business owners in Clane are regularly being forced to clean up dog poo outside their premises.

Mr Drumm said: "We need to put up signs again, warning people."

On social media, Clane tidy towns activists said:"Dog fouling on footpaths in Clane is getting worse.

This disgusting problem is brought about by ignorant people who don't care about the risk caused by dog poo. It gets on soles of shoes, bicycles, wheel chairs, buggys and it's great that the majority of dog lovers do the decent thing and pick up after their pets. It's time the minority take the same action and keep our paths clear of poo."

Some months ago Kildare County Council has announced its plans to stop dog fouling in areas around Co Kildare. It has erected five audio warning device units in Clane, Celbridge (Castletown), Naas, Newbridge (Linear Park) and Castledermot outside the National School. The devices, which are in place for a three-month trial period, were developed by a Kildare company based in a business incubation unit in Maynooth.

Under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, offenders who don't clean up after their pets can be fined up to €4,000.