Wardens across Dublin city should have powers to fine for illegal parking, dog fouling and littering.

Green Party Councillor for Kimmage-Rathmines Carolyn Moore wants to trial a system that would see on-the-spot fines for multiple offences handed out.

She told Newstalk Breakfast such an approach has been in the works for a while.

"That's just somebody who would be in power to issue on-the-spot fines for some of the main issues that people tend to raise with us," she said.

"That would be illegal parking, littering and dog fouling.

"We had previously had a motion agreed at the same [Dublin City Council] Transport Committee, where we would look at trialing this role - one on the northside and one on the southside.

"We're just trying to push that along now."

Cars parked on a Dublin street in November 2021. Image: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

Cllr Moore said now is the right time for the changes.

"The parking enforcement contract is up for renewal in the next year or two," she said.

"We think that by taking that central role of parking enforcement, and broadening it out a little bit, we can just target some of the offences that people find really affects their enjoyment and access in their community."

Cllr Moore said it is a combination of efficiency and visibility.

"We do have dog wardens, but everybody would have heard the statistics that there's been one fine issued for dog fouling since 2019," she said.

"If you walk down any street in Dublin, you'll see that's not an accurate reflection of the scale of that particular problem.

"Likewise with litter; you'll see all the signs warning you that you'll be fined €75 if you litter - but nobody's walking around thinking there's a reasonable chance that they're going to encounter a litter warden."

A sign shows it is prohibited to let your dog foul. Image: Ton Koene/DPA/PA Images

Cllr Moore said they would be a more effective deterrent for people.

"Essentially the crux of it is that we want to see more visibility of people doing these kinds of roles on our streets," she said.

"We think that acts as a more effective deterrent for people who are tempted to commit these offences.

"It's 'bring back the traffic warden', bring back that very visible presence on the street.

"If you're going to do that anyway, why not bring other powers under their remit as well," she added.

Main image: A traffic warden on duty in Dublin city in 1999. Image: Graham Hughes/RollingNews.ie