Dingle trials public toilets for dogs in national first

RICHIE Williams of Dingle Tidy Towns Group said his group’s intriguing ‘public toilets’ for dogs have received positive feedback from locals who are delighted to see people in the town tackling the issue of dog fouling.

Dingle Tidy Towns recently put boxes in three areas in Dingle on a trial basis. The boxes are made from recycled, painted pallets which have been lined with weed-control fabric and filled with limestone and sand.

“It had been suggested by one of our members quite some time that we give this a go, and it was at around Easter time that we set the plans in motion,” Mr Williams told The Kerryman.

“We knew they had been implemented successfully in other countries. It’s based on the idea that dogs are attracted to the scent of other dogs, so they might be drawn to theses boxes. It’s also thought that the scent of other dogs encourages dogs to do their business, so they might be more inclined to use the boxes than going on the pavements or elsewhere.”

To Richie’s knowledge, this is the first time this idea has been used anywhere in Ireland, but he insists that “getting ahead of the game” was the last thing on group members’ minds.

“This is a problem everywhere, and we’re trying to do something about it, that’s our only aim, and I think we’ll get people talking and thinking about the issue at the very least. Owners need to carry bags out with them, or take bags from the dispensers in town, and pick up after their dogs. By introducing these boxes we are highlighting the issue and making dog owners think about their responsibility,” he said.

“If they leave their dog’s excrement there it could get stuck to people’s shoes or buggy wheels or whatever. It is most unhygienic and irresponsible to just leave it there. I’ve been inundated with phone-calls from people who’re fascinated by our idea or think it’s brilliant that we’re trying to do something.”

The trial will run over the summer and, Mr Williams said there’s a possibility of introducing more boxes should the experiment be deemed successful.

“We’ve received good feedback so far and we’re always open to hearing people’s opinions, whether positive or negative,” he said.

A DIngle dog trialling Ireland’s first public toilets for dogs.