Council in doghouse over purchase of 'poop scoops'

A LOCAL authority has been strongly criticised over the purchase of UK made 'poop scoops' for a popular amenity walk area in Co. Mayo.

The poop sacks placed in dispensers at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar, are claimed to be more expensive than a rival Irish made product and 'next to useless' here due to regular heavy rainfall.

So incensed is Ciaran Sheehan, the owner of Mutt Mitts Ireland, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare, that he has complained to Mayo County Council about the matter.

He commented: “I am surprised that Mutt Mitts Ireland, a fully Irish owned and tax compliant Irish company that supplies dog fouling bags at half the price of paper bags, was not given the opportunity to tender for this business.

“Paper bags are next to useless in the Irish climate. A far superior product can be obtained right here in Ireland for half the price.”

When contacted for a comment, John Condon, the Mayo county secretary, said he was not familiar with the issue or the product concerned.

He added: “In all these matters we have to go through a procurement process. We can't say we will always purchase Irish products. We have to take other things into consideration, such as price and quality.”