New Duck Feed Dispensers Coming To Arklow

Two new duck feed dispensers will be installed in Arklow following a collective plan from several local groups. The solar-powered feeding machines will be placed at the duckpond and on the riverwalk. These will be updated versions of those already in place in Wicklow Town.

The machines are provided by the ‘Feed Ducks Initiative’ to local councils free of charge. They are contactless with no cash taken, can be installed off-grid, and are constructed from recycled plastic equivalent to 20,000 bottles.

The benefits of the feeders include reducing the amount of foreign feed and rotting excess food that leads to silt build-up in local pond ecosystems and attracts vermin. This is an avoidable issue and cost to clean up. The quality nutritious feed is dispensed in smaller quantities that are healthy for the local wildlife and reduce significant overfeeding.

Several groups, including The House and All Kinds Of Amazing, will be responsible for stocking and maintaining the machines and will retain 10% of the income.

Plans are currently being finalised with the supplier and Arklow Municipal District to confirm the exact locations of both feeders.