More bins needed for Laois dog walkers

Laois dog walkers need more bins for their dog waste, a councillor has said.

Cllr Aidan Mullins raised the issue at a recent meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. 

He asked in a motion:  “That Laois County Council provide waste bins beside all dog waste bag / mutt mitt dispensers throughout the county.”

In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer at the Environmental Section, Rory O’Callaghan said: “To date, Laois County Council has provided approximately 75 Mutt Mitt dispensers, along popular walking routes in the county. Such provision is to enable responsible dog owners to manage their waste in a manner that does not adversely impact on others. 

Laois County Council does not have available capacity such that it provides and manages litter bins at each and every site where mutt mitt dispensers are provided. Responsible dog owners will use the bags provided and dispose of them in available litter bins and/or in their place of residence.”

On hearing the response, Cllr Mullins acknowledged it would be an extra expense for the council. He explained that some walkers have to travel long distances before coming across a bin. He said many just leave their waste bags beside the dispensers. 

PJ Kelly seconded the motion and said while it is suggested people bring their bags home, for some that could mean walking for two miles with the bag. 

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“This is what your pets do on a Saturday afternoon.”

Cllr Aisling Moran said she had raised the issue a year and a half ago. “They don't want to be carrying it for a two mile walk,” she said. 

“By giving us this answer it is still going to be happening for another year an a half,” she added. 

Another councillor who raised the issue previously was Cllr Ben Brennan.  “I asked for them to be put in around Graiguecullen,” he told the meeting. He offered his 100 percent support to the motion.