Private Enforcement Team Deployed to Address Dog Fouling and Littering
Dog fouling, littering, and fly tipping present not only an unsightly environment but also pose health risks, creating significant challenges for many local authorities.
In response, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has engaged a private enforcement team to help tackle these issues.
The council is following examples set by other authorities in England and Scotland that collaborate with 3GS UK Limited, a company that is part of National Enforcement Solutions (NES).
A council spokesperson clarified that the council is not directly funding the service; instead, the private company retains an agreed portion of the income generated from fines issued.
The exact percentage retained by the company remains undisclosed due to its "commercially sensitive" nature.
The first group of seven enforcement officers began patrolling the borough in early May, working alongside existing environment wardens.
These officers wear uniforms equipped with cameras and have the authority to issue fines up to £200.
Between January 2025 and April 2026, the council issued only three fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and 15 fines related to littering.
Council's Intent and Public Response
Mayor Oliver McMullan expressed hope that the initiative will encourage more responsible behaviour among residents regarding litter and dog waste.
"It's not a money making exercise...it's to get people educated and cleaning up after them," he said.
McMullan noted that dog fouling is among the most frequent complaints he receives from ratepayers.
"Council staff have so much to do but the company that's brought in here, that's their specific job," he said.
He added that the enforcement team will operate at various times throughout the day, focusing on areas with high complaint volumes.
NI understands that several councils in Northern Ireland, including Causeway Coast and Glens, have previously employed private enforcement firms, but this is currently the only active scheme of its kind.
Other councils have attempted to address dog fouling through methods such as DNA databases and public campaigns like 'Pick up the Poo'.
Operations and Effectiveness of the Enforcement Team
Eoin Henney, managing director of 3GS UK Limited, stated that the enforcement teams will patrol seven days a week.
"I think local authorities have enough on their plate and bringing in extra resources helps them focus on other things," he said.
"It means we can work various hours of the day, maybe later in the evenings and earlier in the mornings."
Henney reported observing behavioural improvements in areas of Scotland and England where the company has operated.
He referenced a previous partnership with Bradford council that resulted in a significant increase in fines issued, although the company chose to end the contract due to it being "unprofitable."
Community Perspectives
Roger, a resident of Portrush, welcomed the new initiative but expressed skepticism about its effectiveness.
"It often happens when nobody's about so I don't know how they can solve that," he said.
"Plenty of dog owners are responsible, but they're let down by the irresponsible ones.
"This private company has to get into the mind of the irresponsible ones and figure out what they are up to."
Juliete, who lives in Coleraine, described littering as a "massive problem" in her area.
"If there's anything taking place in the town, it seems that people will come down with the bags of the cans, the sweets and they just dump it on the floor and it looks absolutely trashed," she said.
Having previously lived in England, Juliete believes that Northern Ireland's litter and dog fouling issues could be mitigated by providing more bins.
Coleraine dog owner Tony characterized the current situation as a "nightmare" that negatively affects the reputation of responsible dog owners.
"I've seen me lifting it off the pavement from another dog so that I don't walk in it and somebody else doesn't walk in it," he said.
"It's dangerous for young children or dogs and other animals."
Tony expressed frustration with the council's perceived inability to effectively address dog fouling and littering.
"I don't think it'll work, they tried before and it didn't work then," he said.
"I haven't seen a dog warden in about two or three years."
Fines and Enforcement Across Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, the fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and littering vary by council area.
Offenders in Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim, Antrim and Newtownabbey, and Ards and North Down face a £200 fixed penalty notice.
Mid Ulster imposes the lowest fixed penalty rate at £50.
