No fines for dog fouling issued in Meath during 2025
Data gathered by Vision Ireland has revealed that just 44 dog fouling fines were issued by Local Authorities across the country in 2025, with none issued in Meath over the year. Dog fouling is a public safety issue and poses health concerns for both children and adults. People who are vision impaired and use mobility aids are particularly at risk.
This week, from September 28th to October 2nd, Vision Ireland’s Clear Our Paths campaign is raising awareness of everyday obstacles faced on footpaths, including dog waste, and is urging the public to take action.
To mark Clear Our Paths, a survey of 220 people who were blind or vision impaired explored the issue of footpath obstacles. Vision Ireland found that 99% of respondents were impacted by temporary obstacles such as dog waste. Not only does dog fouling present a slipping hazard, but it can also be a major problem for long cane users whose canes are dirtied by faeces. When folded up, this poses a hygiene and health risk.
Respondents to the survey provided insights into the effect dog fouling has on their day-to-day lives. One person said: “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.” Vision Ireland are imploring dog owners to act responsibly and consider other users of shared footpaths, including people who are blind or vision impaired.
Councils are tasked with tackling the scourge of dog fouling, but overall an extremely low number of fines continue to be issued to people for not cleaning up after their dogs. The latest figures record 44 fines in 2025, compared with 48 fines in 2024. Kerry saw the highest number with 12 fines, while 17 Local Authorities recorded zero fines for dog fouling. This is an increase on the 14 Local Authorities which did not issue any fines in 2024.
Vision Ireland’s campaign comes shortly after an increased fine for dog fouling came into effect on September 1st. The on-the-spot fine for owners is now €250. However, 77% of survey respondents said that they believe this increase will not make a difference to the dog fouling they experience each day.