RESIDENTS who live in close proximity to the Limerick to Foynes railway line have been infested with rats “as big as cats”, according to one local councillor.
At this Monday’s monthly Metropolitan District meeting, Social Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan called on the Council to write to Irish Rail asking for compensation for homes experiencing rodent infestation.
Cllr O’Donovan told Council members that she has been contacted by a number of residents in Dooradoyle experiencing serious rat problems in their homes since Irish Rail removed shrubbery and foliage behind where they live.
“I have mentioned my concerns before about the planning exemption that Irish Rail received to do these works because there had been several habitats and foliage that had been growing for decades destroyed overnight,” she said.
“The animals living there had to go somewhere and obviously they have found new homes in nearby residences.”
Cllr O’Donovan said that one resident had sent her a photograph of 10 dead rats in their attic.
“Initially they thought that maybe it’s coming from somewhere else, but the HSE and Rentokil have both told them that it’s coming from the railway site,” she told the chamber.
“The response from Irish Rail has been completely inadequate. They have said that perhaps it could be fruits growing around the estate.”
Cllr O’Donovan said that the rat issue only started when Irish Rail knocked shrubbery in the area around the railway line.
“I feel sorry for these animals that they have nowhere else to go except these homes. Irish Rail need to take responsibility for this, which they’re not doing. They are fobbing off residents once again in relation to this project.”
Seconding her call for compensation for residents, Fianna Fáil councillor Fergus Kilcoyne said he visited a house where 10 or 11 rats had been caught.
“It’s horrendous for the family. Anything to do with rats is desperate, and I’m led to believe these rats are as big as cats,” he added.
Cllr Sarah Kiely (FG) said rat infestations had also been an issue in City East, particularly in Rathbane and Janesboro.
“Irish Rail used to be very good for replying. Now they’re just ignoring us. I’d like to see them step up to the mark and be good neighbours. They’re causing misery to people at the moment,” she insisted.
Councillors were told that a letter would be sent from the local authority to Irish Rail on the matter.
