COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE
Monday, October 23, 2023
QUESTION NO.
QUESTION: Councillor M. Duff
"Could the Manager make a report regarding the process and powers of enforcement, where a private residence (address supplied) is not occupied on a regular basis and the owner just calls to collect post etc, once a week and is not maintaining their front and back gardens and the property is over run by rats which are invading adjoining properties, to ensure the owner maintains their property and addresses the public health risks arising from their neglect?"
REPLY:
“The Environmental Health Department report that they have had no Pest Control involvement with the said property, 53 Glenview Park, Tallaght. However, they are aware that this property was listed for inspection under the Derelict Sites Act on 28th September 2022, with a view to see if it fell under the remit of the act. The Powers of Enforcement into a private property to prove that an infestation of rodents exists, is extremely limited under the little used Rats and Mice Destruction Act of 1919.
This century old legislation was drafted by the UK authorities but was copied into a Statutory Instrument into Irish law, but the penalties still remain low in the current climate. In the interim, if the ownership details can be checked and approved, the Environmental Health Department will liaise with the Law Department regarding the service of a notice on the owner under Section 5 of the above legislation for the abatement of rodents at the said property, and will keep members appraised of the outcome”.
Regards
David O’ Brien
Principal Environmental Health Officer.