Limerick City and County Council is undertaking a new approach to combating dog fouling, by putting up audio devices that encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets.

Two mobile and programmable audio systems developed by a NUI Maynooth-based company have been installed on either side of the River Shannon in Limerick city.

Dog owners who pass the speakers along the city boardwalk 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".

The Council says it will relocate them to other areas throughout Limerick during the coming months.

It is also considering installing additional speakers elsewhere.

Mayor of Limerick Councillor Kathleen Leddin has welcomed the new initiative.

"It really is important for dog owners to continue to become more responsible and to pick up their dogs litter considering dog waste is not only a nuisance but can also carry diseases which can be harmful to humans" she said.

"I would urge dog owners to dispose of such litter in the nearest litter bin or dog fouling bin".

Aidan McDermott of Riteview Solutions, the company behind the devices, said "The audio devices we have developed are particularly suitable for raising awareness in relation to dog litter and we are delighted to have been engaged by Limerick City and County Council on this initiative".

The initiative 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.