Bus stop rats terrify Clondalkin locals

LOCAL residents in Clondalkin are being alarmed at the sight of rats roaming around their local bus stop in broad daylight.

The rodents have been spotted at Glenfield on a regular basis over the past few weeks and are attracted by illegal dumping in the area.

Local councilor, Trevor Gilligan (FF), said it has become a regular occurrence during the summer months.

“One only has to wait five minutes to see the rodents,

? he said.

“Residents have expressed their fury on Facebook.

?

Cllr Gilligan contacted South Dublin County Council who explained that the rats were attracted by food dumped around the bus stop.

“Rats live where there is a food source,

? the council said in its response to Cllr Gilligan.

“In this instance the food source would appear to be dumped material and litter.

?

Council officials have asked local residents to part take in a community clean-up effort and say staff will continue to litter pick and collect dumped material in the area.

The council has also outlined a programme of works for trees and hedges in the area that it believes will help keep the rodents away.

“The hedge and tree works would be considered under the Arboricultural Program of 2014 and 2015,

? an official said.

“The combined efforts of the local residents and the council should see a reduction in the food source and reduced cover along the hedge.

“In turn the area will be less attractive to rats which will hopefully lead to a reduction in the population.

?

However, Cllr Gilligan says the council’s response doesn’t go far enough.

“I think the response by the council tells us that they do not feel this is an urgent issue,

? he said.

“This needs to be tackled now, rather than 2015.

?