'Horrendous' rat infestation reported in Portarlington due to illegal dumping

A group of residents surrounding Oriel House and Wilton House in Portarlington have reported a “horrendous” rat infestation due to illegal dumping. 

Residents of Wilton Lawns and Congress Terrace have expressed their disgust and distress at the infestation. 

Homeowners have said that illegal dumping due to alleged incidents of squatting at both Oriel House and Wilton House have resulted in the large infestation of rats on surrounding properties.  

The infestation has gradually spread to the gardens of locals, with one resident having caught five rats in under a week. The rats were described as “monstrous”, with one rat so large it set off a resident’s ‘Ring’ doorbell. 

“I have spent over €200 on rat poison and traps, my next-door neighbour has spent €350," one resident said.

"A pest control agency told us that our gardens are extremely unsafe, and that we should keep our windows and doors closed, our vents and pipes sealed. They told us it would cost upwards of €560 per garden to pay for extermination.  

Because a skip was put in with a small amount of rubbish placed into it, the shuffle has caused the rats to run- we were told to prepare for an ‘invasion’."

“This is an area full of young families and elderly residents. My young kids can’t play in the garden because there are rats running along our back wall. Since the HSE have come out, we have heard nothing more from them, and the council has said that the onus is on the derelict properties' landlords.” 

“The rats are running around in broad daylight- they're running on walls that are so old and full of ivy, they have preservation orders. We’re all at our wits end- we need someone to step up and help us sort this," a resident said. 

Upon request for comment, the HSE acknowledged the situation and responded; 

“The matter has been referred to Laois County Council as the relevant statutory authority with responsibility for waste and illegal dumping for their investigation. 

The Environmental Health Service (EHS) investigates rodent complaints in accordance with the provisions of the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919 (as amended). This legislation places the responsibility on the occupier of a property to ensure that they are taking all necessary and reasonably practicable measures to prevent their property from becoming infested and where necessary to carry out the destruction of any rodents identified.”