Galway dog owners were not issued with a single fine for dog fouling last year, but more than 1,500 motorists were penalised for parking on footpaths in the city and county.
Figures supplied to Vision Ireland by local authorities show that Galway City Council issued 1,433 fines for parking on footpaths in 2025, while Galway County Council issued a further 87.
But when it came to dog fouling, the figure was zero in both areas.
The figures have been released as Vision Ireland launches its Clear Our Paths campaign, highlighting the obstacles faced every day by people who are blind or vision impaired when trying to navigate public footpaths.
Across the country, just 44 fines were issued for dog fouling in 2025, compared with more than 21,000 fines for motorists parking on footpaths.
Seventeen local authorities issued no dog fouling fines whatsoever last year.
Vision Ireland says the lack of enforcement is particularly concerning because dog fouling can create a serious hazard for people with sight loss.
A survey of 220 people who are blind or vision impaired found that 99% had been affected by temporary obstacles such as dog waste.
For someone using a long cane, the problem can be particularly unpleasant and difficult to deal with.
One survey respondent told Vision Ireland: “If dog foul gets on the ball of my cane, I am unable to see it to clean it myself. It can end up on my hands when I fold my cane.”
The on-the-spot fine for dog fouling increased to €250 on September 1st, but 77% of those surveyed said they did not believe the increase would make a difference to the dog fouling they encounter.
The Galway figures also highlight the scale of the problem posed by vehicles obstructing footpaths.
The 1,433 fines issued in Galway City represented one of the higher totals recorded nationally, while the county figure was considerably lower at 87.
Nationally, Dublin City Council issued 4,833 fines for parking on footpaths, followed by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown with 2,103 and Fingal with 1,871.
For people who are blind or vision impaired, a car parked across a footpath can force them onto the road and into the path of moving traffic.
Sixty-nine per cent of those surveyed by Vision Ireland said parked cars were the most common obstacle blocking their route, while 65% said parked cars caused them the greatest difficulty when navigating footpaths.
One respondent said: “Since the footpath is usually narrow I have to side step past a car. I am forced to step down on to the road, which I don’t feel safe doing.”
Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy and External Affairs at Vision Ireland, said people who are blind or vision impaired face constant obstacles when using footpaths.
“We also know there are many dog owners who still do not pick up after their pets,” he said.
“These are serious health and safety issues for people who are blind or vision impaired.”
