Cllr Jennifer Green
Although residents of Dundalk are looking forward to the completion of the new Tesco on the site of the Dundalk Shopping Centre, it seems the construction operation has disturbed various rats’ nests causing them to spill out on to Thomas Street, Vincent Avenue and surrounding areas.
Residents have been overrun with this vermin and one resident has been affected so badly with the infestation, they have had to move out of their home.
On receiving a number of complaints, Sinn Féin Councillor Jennifer Green contacted Dundalk Town Council’s Environment Department only to be told that ‘Dundalk Town Council don’t deal with rodents.’
Commenting on the matter, Cllr Green said: “I have phoned the HSE but the phone has been ringing out and I have also contacted Tesco’s Head Office in Dublin but I was just able to leave a message.”
The most common type of rat in Ireland is the brown rat, which is also the most serious pest species and can pose considerable public health and environmental problems. It can also harbour a number of disease-carrying organisms such as mites and fleas which can pass on Q and Hantaan fever to humans. The brown rat can also spread Weil’s disease from a bacteria in their urine called leptospirosis, which is dangerous to humans and can affect water quality over a time, posing serious risks.
The Mulholland Avenue councillor, who will be running in next May’s local elections, said it was vital that the matter be dealt with as soon as possible.
“This is an awful situation for the residents and the business owners in the area. There are children and older people in these areas that have a right to live in their own homes, safe from vermin. I want this matter dealt with as soon as possible. This is urgent.”
