Dog owners who pass the audio devices developed by NUI Maynooth-based company Riteview Solutions, will trigger a message stating: “Do your bit to keep Limerick clean. Stop Limerick Dog Litter. Use any bag any bin — please pick up after your dog.”
Limerick City and County Councils plan to relocate the devices currently operating in the city area to other spots throughout Limerick during the coming months. The local authority is also considering the option of installing additional devices at other sites.
Welcoming the  initiative, Mayor Kathleen Leddin said it was important for dog owners to pick up their pet’s litter as dog waste was not only a nuisance but it could also carry diseases that were harmful to humans.
The installation of the audio devices has also been welcomed by the Limerick City Tidy Towns Committee, which regularly undertakes clean-ups throughout the city in conjunction with the local authority.
Tidy Towns representative Maura O’Neill described it as a fantastic development that would help keep streets and green areas clean by encouraging dog owners to take greater responsibility.
“Dog litter is at the top of people’s minds as the worst form of litter and these audio devices help to spread the message that allowing dogs to foul in a public area and then not picking it up is simply unacceptable,” said Ms O’Neill.
Limerick City and County Councils environment awareness officer, Sinead McDonnell, explained there are a number of simple ways in which dog owners can help keep public areas dog litter free.
“The message we are promoting is simple; always carry a bag to clean up after your dog. Failing to clean up after your dog is the same as littering and is an offence under the Litter Pollution Acts.
“There are now a wide range of options available to dog owners for cleaning up after their dogs. Check at your local vet, pet shop, supermarket or online,” she said.