A large number of rats are running wild in three housing estates in Castlebar and the situation is a serious health issue, a local councillor has warned.
Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne raised the concerns of residents during a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District last week.
“I have had a lot of complaints from people about a lot of rats in three different estates around the town,” he said. “I know they run wild all of the time but they are in gardens and everywhere.”
Cllr Kilcoyne said he is aware some residents contacted the environmental sections of the council and the local health board after which someone visited to hand out leaflets to the houses, but that that was not “going to sort” the problem.
“There is a problem with vermin in a number of estates around the town and from a health point of view it is a really serious issue and it needs attention,” added Kilcoyne who stressed that some sort of action is needed.
“They are widespread. Some years you would not get any complaints at all but this year for some reason there are lots and you will even see them killed on the road, which is a sure sign that they are around,” he added.
David Mellett, the Head of Castlebar Municipal District, said the environmental section will look into the issue.
