COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 11, 2023

MOTION NO.11

MOTION: Councillor M. Lynch

That South Dublin County Council erect Lyme disease information and warning signage in all public parks and areas, which may pose any risk of tick bites which can result in the contraction of Lyme disease, to advise of the dangers of this disease and the steps to take to minimise the risk of contracting this chronic condition. See attached image of signage erected in Kilkenny following the adoption of a similar motion.

REPORT:

It is understood that the deer population are the carriers of the species of tick which can be infected by Lyme disease, while deer themselves do not appear to be affected by the disease.  Deer sightings have been reported in a number of the Council's parks such as Kiltipper Park, Dodder Valley Park and the parks along the Liffey such as Lucan Demesne and Waterstown Parks.  The Public Realm Section will examine the matter and identify a suitable way of bringing the matter to the attention of the public, either though the provision of additional signage in those parks or by adding more information to existing signage.

The general advice on the matter which is issued by the HSE though the Health Protection Surveillance Centre is to cover up when in areas where you may come in contact with the disease, to be aware of the appearance of the tick which carries it and to immediately remove any as soon as they are noticed, and to be aware of the symptoms of Lyme disease and notify your GP if you believe that you have those symptoms.  The Council will examine ways of providing links to this information through the Council website.