Madam, – I write in response to letter from Maurice Matthews (April 26th). The council is aware that dog fouling is an on-going issue and continuously strives to address the problem by raising awareness and providing disposal facilities.
Despite what Mr Matthews states, there are 13 bins in the vicinity of Greystones train station and the main street and a further 15 bins along the seafront. All of the bins are suitable for the disposal of dog faeces while some are provided specifically for this purpose, including one at the Greystones entrance to the cliff walk.
As mayor of Greystones Town Council, I organised a Dog Awareness Day last summer. It was very successful and those in attendance received special bags to encourage them to clean up after their pets. Additional dog bins and signage were provided following the event and these initiatives have proved successful in reducing the amount of dog faeces locally. It is intended to make this an annual event and to expand it to facilitate local residents associations, which have expressed interest in organising similar events in their estates.
As a regular user of the cliff walk, I am confident that dog faeces does not detract from the dramatic scenery, fine seascapes and cliff views and it is regrettable that this was the experience of Mr Matthews on the one occasion that he visited.
The council is conscious of the negative impact on the environment of irresponsible dog owners and is constantly looking at ways to address and resolve the problem. – Yours, etc,