Site is sought for dog park in Mayo town

Plans to develop a dog park in Ballina have moved a step closer with Mayo County Council agreeing to conduct a feasibility study to identify potential locations and funding opportunities for the project.

The study follows a motion tabled by Cllr Marie Therese Duffy that called on the local authority to examine suitable sites and explore funding streams for a dedicated dog park in the town. Welcoming the response to her motion, Cllr Duffy pointed to the recent opening of a dog park at Lough Lannagh in Castlebar, which came about thanks to the efforts of Cllr Donna Sheridan, and said Ballina would benefit from such a facility.

"Dog ownership is rising, and with this proposal owners will have a secure environment to let their pets off the lead. A lot of dog owners and people in the community will benefit from this."

Seconding the motion, Cllr Jarlath Munnelly noted that he had previously tabled a similar motion, which led to a site being identified, but plans did not progress. He added that there is definitely a need for it in the town.

Cllr John O'Hara said a dog park is an essential amenity for any town and would provide a safe place for owners to walk their dogs while also helping to reduce dog fouling on footpaths.

"There's nothing worse than walking on a footpath and walking into something you do not want to be walking into," he said.

Cathaoirleach Annie May Reape also backed the motion, saying she hoped a dog park would help tackle dog fouling and reduce the number of dogs walking off-lead around the town, especially along Quay Road.

Head of the Ballina Municipal District Anna Connor said the feasibility study would identify and assess suitable council-owned lands, as well as other potential sites, for the development of a dog park. The study will also examine planning, environmental, accessibility and operational considerations, assess the level of community demand for the facility, and identify stakeholder engagement requirements. In addition, it will explore potential funding streams and partnership opportunities.

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.