Editorial: Time to fine Kilkenny's thoughtless dog-fouling degenerates

In the wake of an extremely positive IBAL survey that found Kilkenny in the top five cleanest towns in Ireland, there is much cause for celebration.

And while coffee cups and disposable vapes are now drawing focus as new and growing areas of litter, one scourge that has always been an issue and has not gone away is dog fouling.

Dog fouling destroys our pavements and shoes, and is particular unpleasant for wheelchair users or those pushing prams or walking aids.

That there were no fines in relation to dog fouling here for much of last year may not be all that much of a surprise. It is an extremely difficult offence to police — almost impossible unless the individual is caught in the act. For the average concerned citizen, not everyone feels comfortable confronting a transgressor. They may be fearful of an abusive backlash.

Things have improved somewhat. Most walkers carry bags with them. A social stigma guilts some would-be offenders into cleaning up after their dog.

Perhaps the worst are those who go to the trouble of picking up after their dog, and then fling the bag into a nearby ditch or hedge. Lanes and bushes are littered with red bags strewn around by people, who pick up the mess, and then when they think no one is watching, thoughtlessly discard it.

Perhaps the council could use some of their mobile, covert cameras in hotspots for this. Indeed, maybe there should be a double fine for this type of reprehensible activity.

Sporting joy
What a stunning weekend it was on the local sporting front for the hurlers from Thomastown and Tullogher-Rosbercon.

For one club to have returned successful from Croke Park would have been a delight; for both to do so was astounding. And, just before the new year, the Dicksboro women won their first-ever All-Ireland camogie title. We are in a golden era for our club games.

Now it’s over for O’Loughlin Gaels to have their tilt at the title — a glorious opportunity beckons. We wish them all the very best.