Here’s a fine idea for a new job for traffic wardens

I notice that Minister of State for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon will be increasing on-the-spot dog-fouling fines from €150 to €250. Most people will think this is a good idea considering the amount of dog faeces on the streets of our towns and cities.

So, let’s look at the numbers in a little more detail. In 2022, there were 82 on-the-spot dog fines issued, dropping (no pun intended) to 46 in 2023 and 48 in 2024. There are about 75 dog wardens across the country so one has to wonder what they are doing all day. Some must never issue a fine. Surely very bad for their job satisfaction?

There are 250-plus traffic wardens and they issue about 500,000 fines (€40-€80) each year, clearly a much more productive bunch than their dog-warden colleagues. Looking at these numbers you might be inclined to put the dog wardens out to pasture, so to speak, and give their jobs to the traffic wardens. This way our streets would be clear both of dog faeces and illegally park cars. Job done. – Yours, etc,

Thomas G Cotter,