Over 900 parking fines and just one dog fouling fine issued in Waterford last year

In a survey of those with visual impairments carried out by Vision Ireland, cars parked on footpaths and dog fouling were identified as common obstacles experienced by people who are blind or have impaired vision.

Last year in Waterford, there were 910 parking on footpath fines issued and just one dog fouling fine across the entire county.

Data provided by local authorities revealed that over 22,000 fines were issued nationally to motorists who parked on footpaths last year.

Meanwhile, very few dog fouling fines were issued across the country, just 46, a reduction of 36 fines from 2022.

Kerry County Council had the highest number of fines for dog fouling offences, with 13 issued. 18 out of the 31 local authorities issued no fines at all.

Over a third of respondents to the survey said they were impacted by dog waste in public spaces, whilst 70% of respondents identified parked cars as a common obstacle.

Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy, Partnerships and External Affairs at Vision Ireland, said, “Parked cars and dog waste are two of the biggest hazards people who are blind and vision impaired in Waterford face on our footpaths.

“Fines alone will not solve these problems,” he added, “we must all work together and do our part to clear our paths.”