Just two fines were issued for dog fouling in Galway in 2024, according to new figures published by Vision Ireland as part of its Clear Our Paths campaign, a statistic that local advocates say reflects a lack of awareness of the daily challenges faced by people who are blind or visually impaired in Galway.
The national campaign, which runs from Monday, August 18 until tomorrow (Friday ), is putting a spotlight on common hazards on Irish footpaths such as dog waste, parked cars, wheelie bins and overgrown shrubs, everyday obstacles that can make independent travel extremely difficult for visually impaired people.
In Galway, only one dog fouling fine was issued by Galway City Council in 2024 and one by Galway County Council, despite widespread reports of the problem across the city and county. During the same period, a combined 2,002 fines were issued for parking on footpaths, 202 by the county council and 1,800 by the city council.
Unnecessary obstacles
A national survey of 281 people who are blind or vision-impaired, carried out by Vision Ireland, shows just how serious these issues are. Forty two per cent of respondents said they frequently encountered dog waste on footpaths, and 71 per cent said their path is regularly blocked by parked cars. More than a quarter (26 per cent ) identified cars parked on footpaths as the single most difficult obstacle they face when navigating public spaces.
Local guide dog user and vision-impaired advocate Gina McNamara said even small acts of thoughtlessness can have serious consequences.
“The obstacles we face include cars parked on footpaths, dog fouling, wheelie bins being left out, inappropriately placed street furniture, overhead branches and election posters placed at an inappropriately low level,” she said.
“In my experiences walking with my guide dog, these obstacles make getting around very difficult, and as a result, I often end up having to walk on the road. In addition to obstacles on the road, low-hanging branches and overgrown nettles are also a risk, and in the past, I have been injured due to this, with nettles even going into my eyes.
“It is very stressful for both me and my guide dog to deal with these issues while on our daily walk.”
Health risks
According to Vision Ireland, dog fouling is not just a nuisance; it poses serious hygiene and health risks. When a white cane or a guide dog harness becomes contaminated, the user may not notice until it is folded away, often spreading the mess to their hands or clothing. One survey respondent described it as “embarrassing and disgusting”, urging dog owners to clean up after their pets.
Worryingly, the number of dog fouling fines appears to be declining nationally. Just 48 fines were issued across the State this year, down from 82 in 2022. Galway’s total of two fines mirrors a broader national pattern in which most local authorities issued only one or two, and several issued none at all.
Kevin Kelly, head of policy and external affairs at Vision Ireland, said greater public responsibility is urgently needed.
“It’s unacceptable that people who are blind or vision impaired must put themselves in danger while having to avoid illegally parked cars,” he said. “The health and hygiene issues around dog waste are equally alarming. People going about their day should be able to do so freely, but we know from the 21,000 fines issued in 2024 that there are countless hazards on Irish footpaths.
“Fines alone are not the answer, and we urge the public to be more considerate of the needs of everyone who uses our shared spaces.”
