Sir, – Abandoned, used dog- pooh bags are not only a problem in the Phoenix Park (Helen Kehoe, May 11th). They fester while festooning the branches of many a tree or tree guard in public parks all over the city. They decorate the pavements and beaches countrywide.
Why a fraction of dog walkers think they can earn brownie points as long as they put it in a plastic bag no matter where they leave it is a mystery. Perhaps they feel if someone doesn’t walk in it, it is not a problem; so they leave it in a plastic bag where it will keep forever.
A contributory problem may be be the dearth of litter bins, and those in parks are frequently full to overflowing. Two public litter bins have been recently been removed from Leinster Road. Perhaps measures like this are to deter some people from disposing of their household waste without paying charges, However, many people are now getting rid of their rubbish for free any old how.
Take a walk up the Grand Canal and see the elegant swans weave in an out of the abandoned black bin sacks; pick your way through the pooh bags on the golden sands of Brittas Bay. The country is becoming a bit of a tip. – Yours, etc,