Cllr unveils ‘Big Scoop’ signs

It's a blight on the footpaths of towns and villages across the country.

Dog fouling, Fine Gael Councillor Carmel Brady says, is fast becoming “one of the biggest problems” that has to be dealt with at local level, such is the proliferation of poop left behind by irresponsible pet owners.

Now with her friends in Cootehill Tidy Towns, one of many strands that come under the umbrella of the multi-faceted Town Team, Cllr Brady intends to “clean up” with the launch of a new set of a very clear and easy to understand signs.

The 'Big Scoop' initiative, as she calls it, reminds people of the law: Owners failing to pick up after their precious pet face a fine of up to €4,000 if convicted.

The new signs also highlight the health risk poseds and the dangers of leaving dog mess behind.

“Bag it, bin it, that's the message we're trying push home here,” says Cllr Brady, who was joined by fellow Tidy Towns' member Philomena McQuaid in launching the new poster.

Not only that but Cllr Brady welcomed Town and Village Renewal Scheme funding, which see hopes will help make Cootehill one of the most accessible towns in Ireland.

Following in the footsteps of Cavan Town, which previously won the prestegious 'European Destination of Excellence' (EDEN) award, part of an EU-wide aim to encourage a more sustainable form of tourism development, Cootehill has set about improving crosspoints and lowering footpaths. They've also surveyed street furniture to see where changes need to be made.

“We have people of all abilities using our town every day. It's something we as a Town Team, as a collective, are very conscious of, and we want to have Cootehill the most accessible in all of Ireland. The demand is there for it and we're working to deliver on that.”