Woof justice as council plans to ban dogs from Vinegar Hill

A suggestion that dogs should be banned from Vinegar Hill due to all the dog dirt being left behind is being considered by the local authority.

Cllr Paddy Kavanagh said due to the lack of Gateway workers on Vinegar Hill the historical attraction was overgrown during the summer and covered in dog dirt. He told the council meeting last week: ‘ The dog fouling has been embarrassing to say the least. If we can’t preserve one of the most significant national monuments in the county it doesn’t say a lot for us. Priority should be given to the staffing of Vinegar Hill and surrounding areas so that they are kept in a good condition.’

Director of Services John Carley said he has asked the district manager and engineer to prioritise Vinegar Hill in 2018 when it comes to staffing resources. Cllr Malcolm Byrne said horse and dog fouling is at epidemic levels across the county. Mr Carley said: ‘We are trying our best but it doesn’t seem to be too effective.’

Cllr Kathleen Codd Nolan said the recent archaeological find at Vinegar Hill of mass graves, swords, muskets, pistols and an ancient settlement is something people should be fascinated and excited about. ‘ The discovery has brought home how important a site is and people are reading about it across Ireland and England.’

The meeting heard that Wexford County Council plans to devote more resources to Vinegar Hill and a report is being compiled in relation to how best to develop the site.

Director of Services for Housing John Carley said he will speak with the environment department about the possibility of banning dogs from the historic hill.