COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

MOTION NO. 9

MOTION: Councillor L. O’Toole

“Subsequent to the reports of rat infestation in the Lucan Ward (details can be provided) that the Chief Executive give an update on this matter and inform the council what practices are currently in place and how they can be improved.”

REPORT:

All complaints received are initially dealt with by our Public Realm unit who inspect the area(s) which are the subject of the complaint.

Where evidence of vermin is found the matter is referred to the pest control unit within the Health Service Executive (HSE) who advise the Council in such matters and who lay bait when / if it can be established where exactly the vermin are coming from

Signage is erected by the HSE outlining that bait has been laid.

Parkland settings by their nature attract wildlife.  The type of wildlife is determined by the park features and rats are one of numerous species that can be found.

Rats are opportunistic animals and they have survived because they have worked out how to live in close association with humans.

the presence of illegal dumping /deposits of household waste, harvesting crops and construction works are contributing factors to the periodic increased visibility / presence of rats.  For example recent works on the development of a local Road Cycle Scheme and vegetation thinning is certainly likely to have displaced the existing rat population and given rise to more sightings in areas where they were previously undetected.

The Council is very conscious of the current increased presence of rats and the issue is being addressed with the assistance of the HSE.  To date the HSE has laid rat bait and the Council has undertaken cleanups.  Further treatments have recently been applied in the central woodland area.

Residents can assist by refraining from throwing litter or leaving food in areas. Where residents have witnessed dumping they can report the matter to the Litter Warden Service via the Customer Care Contact System, Fix Your Street or by phoning 01-4149220.