Battle against rats shows reports of up to 30 sightings

By Maurice Garvey

UP TO 30 rat sightings in Clondalkin and Lucan were reported to South Dublin County Council by members of the public in 2016.

One of the highest profile cases last year saw videos posted online of residents battling rats in Kilcronan estate in Clondalkin.

Parents told The Echo at the time they feared for their children’s safety in the privately run estate.

In light of recent events, Sinn Féin councillor Mark Ward asked the council for a report on local rat sightings at the Clondalkin area meeting.

SDCC say their environmental health team has received three rat-sighting complaints in 2017 for the northern part of the county – two of which were in the Clondalkin area.

In 2016, SDCC received 28 complaints in which rat sightings were the main issue raised.

Of these, 14 were in the Clondalkin area and the majority of the remaining complaints were in Lucan area.

In response to Cllr Ward’s question, a SDCC spokesperson said: “In addition to these complaints it should be noted that in 2017 to date, 20 public health nuisance complaints regarding waste have been received for areas including Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan and Newcastle.

“In 2016, 116 waste public health nuisance complaints were received for the same areas. In a number of these complaints rats would have been mentioned by the complainant. However, the main issue raised would have been an accumulation of waste.

“When complainants contact the council about rats they are advised that the HSE, through its pest control service provides a free treatment service for householders in respect of their homes. The pest control service can be contacted at 1850 211774.”