Councillor Barrett says dog fouling has made Pontoon and Corridrish footpaths unusable

"The footpaths along the Pontoon Road and Corridrish Road have become like a minefield for anyone trying to walk them, if you're to avoid stepping in dog poo," this is according to Independent Councillor, Harry Barrett.

Barrett continued, "Over the past number of months, people living in the area have contacted me in awful frustration at the dramatic increase in dog fouling along these routes. What was once an occasional nuisance has now become a daily health hazard for those trying to use the paths.”

Councillor Barrett said that despite signage being erected, the situation has worsened.

“Despite additional signage being erected on the Corridrish Road, residents report that the situation has actually worsened. Parents with buggies and wheelchair users are now unable to use parts of the footpaths at all because they are so badly affected. People are being forced out onto the road to avoid the mess, which creates a serious safety risk on an already busy stretch. This is simply not acceptable on paths that are meant to be accessible to everyone.”

Councillor Barrett said that this issue needs to be treated as a priority.

“Residents are now calling for immediate and visible action. They are of the view that signage alone is clearly not working and that CCTV cameras must now be installed along this route as a real deterrent and to allow enforcement to take place.

“I will be writing directly to the Litter Warden and to the Environmental Enforcement Officers in Mayo County Council, to ask that this issue is treated as a priority and that patrols and enforcement are stepped up without delay.

“People in the Pontoon/Curradrish Road have had enough. They want their footpaths back.”