A new 'public toilet for dogs' has been opened in Dublin to discourage dog fouling in the city centre.
The Public Doggie Toilet, located on Sean McDermott Street in the north inner city, is a small rectangular area enclosed by a low wooden fence.
The toilet was built by Dublin City Council in the hope that dogs would use the toilet when they are out for a walk with their owner.
READ MORE: GoFundMe set up to help with funeral expenses of Dublin hostel stab victim Jamie Kavanagh
As well as the toilet area, 50 Dog Poo Dispenser boxes have been put up around the streets of Dublin with free doggie bags for owners to encourage them to pick up their pet's poo
The initiates are part of a number of measures introduced by the council in an new effort to promote responsible dog ownership and to reduce dog fouling across Dublin’s North East Inner City.
Efforts are already underway with extra Waste Management resources in place across designated streets.
The streets include Buckingham Street, Sean McDermott Street, Summerhill, Railway Street and Killarney Street.
In a press release, Dublin City Council said: "We hope dog owners who exercise their dogs in the area will encourage their pets to use the toilet area."
These new measures were launched this week under Dublin City Council's pilot ‘Responsible Dog Ownership’ campaign. The campaign is an initiative of Dublin City Council’s Central Area Office and the North East Inner City Initiative.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy, along with former Dublin GAA Footballer, Michael Darragh McAuley, were there at the launch in Liberty Park, Dublin 1.
The council are also conducting a survey on dog fouling in the local community which has received 200 responses so far.
According to the statement, "it is envisaged that the findings of the survey will aid Dublin City Council’s Central Area Office in addressing the immediate challenges of dog fouling and strive for cleaner, safer, thriving neighbourhoods for everyone".
READ NEXT:
Garda killer Stephen Silver sentenced to life in prison for capital murder of Detective Colm Horkan
Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch looks almost unrecognisable out and about in Dublin after bombshell verdict
Met Eireann predict sunny days before major change could bring back wintry weather
'Irish Bear Grylls' Dane Galligan on battling severe depression and anxiety
Gordon Elliott sends three runners to Cheltenham for first day of April meeting
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here