Lyme disease warning signs planned for Laois public parks

Signs warning of the dangers of Lyme disease are to be installed at public parks across Laois. 

The measure was requested by Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins in a motion at a recent meeting. 

He asked: “That Laois County Council erect appropriate signage in all public parks in Laois to warn the public of the risks and dangers of Lyme disease.”

In a written response,  Parks and Landscape Officer, Michael Buckley, said: “I will work with all the Municipal District Engineers to have these signs installed in the public parks.” 

Cllr Mullins said he had raised the issue previously and the Office of Public Works(OPW) had agreed to put a sign into Emo Court and Parklands. 

He said May was Lyme disease awareness month and public parks are where people go for recreation. He admitted to being “totally ignorant” of the impact of Lyme disease until he was contacted by a group. Lyme disease can be spread by the bite of a tick, he explained. 

Cllr Mullins said “it is totally treatable if it is diagnosed early”. However, if it goes undiagnosed it can lead to longterm illness including fatigue, neurological problems, heart problems and joint problems. He described the symptoms as “horrific” and said it was important for people to be aware and a group has produced signage which is ready for use. 

Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan, who is a practicising vet, seconded the motion. She said “dogs also get Lyme disease” and she believed awareness of Lyme disease is improving. 

“There are geographic features with it and also with climate change Ireland is becoming a nicer place for ticks to live,” she explained.  

She said only about five percent of ticks carry the disease so not all tick bites will lead to infection. She said the symptoms of Lyme disease can be similar to those associated with long Covid. 

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While welcoming the introduction of signs in public parks, Cllr Phelan said they would be even more appropriate in Coillte controlled woodland areas. Cllr Mulins said the council could contact Coillte about the issue.  

The matter was discussed at the latest meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District.