COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

QUESTION NO. 16

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

"To ask the Chief Executive to intensify the current efforts to eliminate the unprecedented level of rat infestation in Willsbrook Park, particularly in the central wooded areas next to the open ditch; and further asks the Chief Executive to arrange a comprehensive cleansing blitz to remove the significant amounts of litter and rubbish in undergrowth throughout the park?"

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.  Recent works in the vicinity of Willsbrook Park (Willsbrook Road Cycle Scheme) and the significant vegetation thinning in the South East corner of the park is likely to have displaced the existing rat population and given rise to more sightings in areas where they were previously undetected.  Significant dumping of domestic rubbish in the park is also contributing to the problem. 

The issue is being addressed with the assistance of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).  To date the HSE has laid rat bait on the south and west boundaries of the park and further treatments are planned for the central woodland area. A cleanup of the area has also been initiated.

Residents can assist by refraining from throwing litter or leaving food items in the park.  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.