Council call for action on dangerous dogs

In light of the recent horrific death of a Galway grandmother when she was attacked by a Bull mastiff dog, Cllr Tom Farrell raised the issue of restricted dog breeds on the cycleway at the last meeting of Athlone Municipal District.

The Fine Gael Councillor wanted to know if there was any way the Council could ban certain breeds of dogs from the cycleway, which is predominately used by families, especially at weekends.

The matter was raised by Cllr Farrell during a discussion on the Draft Litter Management Plan, when it was revealed that the Council have erected restricted dog breed signs on the dry canal in Kilbeggan and also in the Athlone Municipal District including Coosan Point.

Senior Executive Engineer with Westmeath County Council, Ciaran Jordan, said he did not think the Council had any powers to prevent dogs from using public walkways. He added that they are taking whatever action they can in relation to restricted breeds on Council property, but said he would be mindful of the concerns raised by Cllr Farrell.