Portlaoise residents plead with Laois council to tackle rats

A rat infestation, rubbish dumping and dangerous trees has caused residents of Portlaoise estate to plead with Laois County Council to take action to end what they insist is a public health hazard on their doorsteps.

But the residents say that despite making several verbal and written requests for help that included a petition, no action has yet been taken by the local authority to tackle the problem on a narrow strip of public land in Fairgreen off the Mountmellick Road.

The rat infestation is the primary cause of concern for the residents of the council-owned Portlaoise homes. They say the vermin are a risk to their health and their children, having already claimed the life of a dog.

Mary and Richard Senior live with their two young girls on a stretch along Carmody Way, which borders the Clonrooske Abbey estate. Speaking to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. They insist that the infestation is located in a narrow two-metre-wide stretch of land that runs for about 100 metres to the rear houses on Carmody Way.

They say the problems directly impact people living in seven houses that back onto the land, and a further 13 homes across the street and nearby. While the rats emerge first at the back of the houses, they've been a frequent sight on the street itself.

They say they have had to take action with neighbours in various ways to try and manage the infestation. One neighbour had to uproot shrubbery because of the issue, while they also put down traps. They have also had to add wooden boards to a fence to try to restrict the rats from getting into their backyard. More below pictures.

The wasteland is located between Carmoy Way, Fairgreen and Clonrooske.

In one letter to Laois County Council, the residents said that about 30 rats were trapped in the space of two days in May 2024. 

The couple also regularly power-hose the yard to the rear of the house because of concerns for themselves and their children following the death of one of their Jack Russell dogs. 

They asked the council in one written plea for help: "Does a child have to be bitten or infected by a rat for this problem to be taken seriously?"

Apart from the rats there are other issues in the land behind the homes. The Leinster Express / Laois Live observed rubbish dumped at the entrance to the public area, including a television and other household items.

The seniors are also concerned about the ash trees. They say they are infected with dieback. Combined with being smothered in ivy, the seniors believe that most at risk of falling into people's homes.

The Seniors and other residents believe they have gone through the correct procedure. They informed County Hall as far back as October 2024 that they would go to the media if the issue with the Leinster Express.

Letters to the local authority included pictures of groups of rats congregating in the backyards of homes. The council has also received a petition from residents to have the problem addressed.

The residents called in the HSE, which led to a visit from the health official, who they believe approached the council. 

The Council have responded to the residents' concerns in writing. One communication included a clause from the letting agreement with the residents who are local authority tenants. 

Despite the pleas for help about rats, the residents were told that they could not keep 'any poultry, pigs or other animals than domestic pets which are not likely to create a nuisance'. 

Despite a dog dying from suspected rat disease infection, the residents were told that 'all domestic pets should be kept under control at all times'.

Richard Senior with a cushion that has a picture of his pet dog which he believes died due to the rat infestation.

A petition signed by over 40 residents on the stretch affected was sent to the council in 2024 and following the HSE inpection.

This led to a reply last November from the tenant liaison office in which the council said it would survey the land between 49 and 62 Carmody Way. It proposed to clear refuse and extend the gardens of the properties to solve the problem of dumping. It asked if residents had any objections to gaining extra garden space.

A visit did take place, but nothing further happened to pursue this proposal or tackle the dumping or vermin. Instead, the local authority wrote to the residents on May 9 to say it would not advance the November proposal.

"After careful consideration and costings, it was decided that, at this time, works will not proceed," said the letter.

As regards the rodents, the council said the complaint would be sent to the council's maintenance section for consideration. 

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It was advised that the 'laying of bait' in backyards was a matter for the residents. The council also said no food should be left out for dogs that is 'uncovered' and a 'suitable cleaning regime' should be adopted for dog waste to avoid attracting rodents.

The Seniors were told that all previous complaints had been notified to the Estates Management Section, which enforces tenancy agreements. No reference was made in the letter to rubbish removal.  

The Leinster Express / Laois Live contacted the council for comment.

"Laois County Council Housing Department are aware of the matter and are assessing options available to allow the most appropriate coordinated approach to deal with the situation," it said.