Mid and East Antrim councillors have backed a motion for the council to purchase two dog foul street cleansing machines.
The motion was proposed by Ballymena DUP Councillor Lawrie Philpott and seconded by Bannside Ulster Unionist Cllr Jackson Minford, at a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, at The Braid, in Ballymena, on Monday evening.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Philpott said constituents “vent frustration about footpaths not being cleaned as often as needed” and have made 123 complaints during the past eight months yet just four fixed penalties have been issued.
He called for a more “pro-active approach” by the council following a fine increase to £200 for dog fouling to tackle what he described as “an excessive amount” in public places.
“This is a serious problem. Waste bins are not being emptied regularly,” he added. Cllr Philpott went on to say, as a result, dog foul is being disposed of around bins.
Cllr Minford said: “Dog fouling is a real pain for the public. The public do not see anything being done. It is a problem for those using wheelchairs.”
He indicated that the proposed cleansing units can also deal with snow and ice. “We need to make an effort to keep footpaths safe for all users at all times of the year,” he stated.
Braid Sinn Fein Cllr Archie Rae said dog fouling is one of the biggest complaints raised with councillors. “It doesn’t seem to matter where you live, we all have that problem,” he commented.
Larne Lough Alliance Cllr Maeve Donnelly asked about the cost and who would operate the machines.
Interim chief executive Valerie Watts said officers would look at the cost and bring back a report.
Carrick Castle DUP Alderman Billy Ashe MBE described dog fouling as a “major issue”. He added that he has been promised cameras for his street but “nothing has ever happened”.
He told the meeting he has since placed his own camera in front of his house and, as a result, can deliver dog foul “back to their home”. “It is working nicely,” he remarked. However, he stated that it is not his responsibility but the council’s.
The Deputy Mayor, Ballymena Sinn Fein Cllr Breanainn Lyness, said: “There does not seem to be anything done about it.”
Party colleague Bannside Cllr Ian Friary asked for more dog waste bins to be placed around the borough.
Coast Road Alliance Ald Gerardine Mulvenna said: “It is an ongoing issue across the borough – Glenarm, Carnlough, Drains Bay. It is getting worse. Maybe this machine would help.
“Some people who have dogs should get trained as they are not being responsible.”
Larne Lough Ulster Unionist Cllr Roy Beggs noted: “There tends to be dog walking routes. Not every street will need cleaned on a regular basis.”
Larne Lough Alliance Ald Robert Logan noted: “Our vans should be more visible at prime walking routes. You rarely see dog warden vans out.”
Carrick Castle TUV Cllr David Clarke questioned the cost implications of operating this type of unit which had been estimated during the meeting at £200,000.
The interim chief executive said that if the motion is carried, this would be considered before a final decision.
Cllr Philpott concluded: “For a massive problem, that is a small amount to pay to make sure the ratepayer is getting value for money.”
Following the discussion, the motion was carried.