Pilot dog exercise area opens at Derry's St Columb’s Park

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Ruairí McHugh officiated at the opening of a new fenced-off pilot dog exercise area in St Columb’s Park today. This dedicated space, designed to allow dogs to safely exercise off leash, is a direct response to a Council motion and extensive community feedback.

Mayor McHugh said he was delighted to see the pilot project come to fruition. He said: “We know how important exercise is for a dog’s well-being, and while our current dog control orders are generally well-received and allow for off leash walking away from pathways, there has been a clear desire from the public for a dedicated, enclosed area where owners can let their dogs run freely in a controlled environment.”

The new facility covers an area of 1,880 square metres and has been subdivided with fencing to create two separate spaces for small and large dogs. This segregation addresses safety concerns regarding dog behaviour and potential conflicts, mirroring successful approaches in other council areas.

The Mayor added: “The safety and enjoyment of all park users, both people and pets, is our priority. This pilot has been carefully designed to mitigate risks. Owners always retain legal responsibility for their dog’s behaviour, and we will be enforcing clear rules regarding vaccination, behaviour, and, crucially, immediate cleanup of dog foul.”

Council will use this pilot project to gather valuable data on usage levels and monitor for any issues such as fouling or incidents. The findings will inform future decisions, which could include whether it expands the number of dog exercise areas across the district and invests in facilities like dog agility courses.

Mayor McHugh added: “I encourage all dog owners to make use of this fantastic new area. We are committed to striking a fair balance that ensures the public can enjoy our beautiful parks, while also providing our furry friends with the space they need to thrive. This pilot is an exciting step forward for our dog-loving community.”

Colin Kennedy, Parks Development Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council said: "We are delighted to launch this pilot facility at St Columb's Park. The pilot allows us to test the concept of a dedicated, fenced dog area within the context of our existing, generally flexible, dog control orders. We have designed the space to be subdivided for small and large dogs to enhance safety and user experience, taking lessons from other successful models across NI.

"We urge all users to adhere strictly to the rules posted at the facility, particularly regarding cleaning up after their dog, so we can ensure its success and consider rolling out similar facilities across the Council area."

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Cllr Declan Norris, chair of the Environment and Regeneration Committee and the Councillor who brought forward the motion said: "As the Councillor who brought the original motion before Council, I am incredibly proud to see this pilot project open to the public.

"The motion was driven by the strong desire from dog owners for a safe place where their pets can be truly let off the lead. I believe the pilot in St Columb's Park, with its segregated areas for different dog sizes, is the right way to start. It addresses safety concerns head-on and gives us the chance to see how the community responds before we discuss further investment or potential modifications to our dog control orders across the city."