COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, October 09, 2012

QUESTION NO. 3

QUESTION: Councillor P. Cosgrave

"To ask the Manager to have the Parks Department investigate what can be done with the infestation of rats at Rathfarnham Castle Park?"

REPLY:

Rodents are a normal part of the flora and fauna of any large open space or green area and do not generally cause major concern although for most people their presence can be a frightening experience.  Rodents, and in this case particularly rats, are generally only seen when a food source is available.  In this situation it is probably as a result of people feeding the ducks and where a large amount of easily obtainable food material is available.  Unfortunately, it can be quite difficult to control rodent populations and bait is normally only used as a last resort as the bait itself can pose a risk to children and other animals.

The Parks Section will arrange an inspection of this area to establish if baiting of the area is required.