COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, November 24, 2014

QUESTION NO. 14

QUESTION: Councillor M. Duff

"In response to numerous complaints from residents and from commentary on social media, that this Committee calls on the Chief Executive Officer to take urgent action to deal with the ever increasing problem with rats in Ballymount Park at Kingswood Castle. Residents have expressed their fears about the situation and the possibility of the rats entering their properties?"

REPLY:

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. They have survived because they have worked out how to live in close association with humans. There are a number of actions that can undertake to deter the presence of rats. These are available on the HSE website and include:

  1. “Waste food, empty food tins and other waste which might attract rats must be stored in bins with tight fitting lids.
  2. Food for the birds should not be left in any place where rats can have access to it. Such food is often a greater attraction to rats than birds.
  3. Garden compost heaps should not contain anything likely to attract rats.
  4. The surrounds of your dwelling house must be kept clean, the garden shed should be free of accumulations of rubbish, hedges should be neatly trimmed and overgrowth of weeds and grass controlled.”

In addition to the above actions that residents can take, it is proposed to reduce the density of briars growing at the back of houses in Kingswood Castle as part of winter pruning works in the areas. Should it be necessary to apply rat bait following these works an order will be issued to the HSE for this to take place.

Residents who visit Ballymount Park can also assist to reduce the presence of rats by taking home any food waste and refrain from leaving bread scraps in the vicinity of the watercourses when feeding the wildfowl.