'Stop feeding the rats' signs in Laois estate as dumpers blamed for infestation

Signs have gone up in a Laois housing estate urging people to "stop feeding the rats".

The worried residents of Esker Hills housing estate in Portlaoise have taken it into their own hands to call out dumpers, who they believe are attracting "an infestation" of rats.

The problem site is an attenuation lake at the entrance to the estate. It was installed as a nature friendly action to catch rainwater and prevent floods, with ducks a common and welcome visitor.

However people are feeding bread to the ducks which is not just unhealthy for ducks, but is believed to be also attracting the rats.

Residents note that domestic waste is also being thrown into the pond.

Their homemade signs read: 'Stop feeding the rats. We have a massive infestation here at the lake. There are a huge number of them and it is a health hazard.

"Don't believe this? Stand quietly here for five minutes and you will see them - even in broad daylight. The ducks will not eat potato peels, carrot peels, turnips or any of your domestic waste".

Laois Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack shared the below video showing the signs.

"I visited Esker Hills this morning and met with residents who are at their wits’ end. What I heard was deeply concerning and completely unacceptable.

"One elderly woman told me she has had rats running in front of her as she walks along the path near her home. This is not just distressing – it’s a serious public health issue.

"Residents have taken it upon themselves to put up signs around the pond asking people not to feed the ducks. Unfortunately, large amounts of bread are being thrown in and left behind, and this is feeding the rats, not the ducks. People are doing this with good intentions, but the consequences are now very real for families living here.

"I have written to Laois County Council today requesting an urgent update and immediate intervention to deal with the rat infestation and to ensure residents feel safe in their own estate.

Read next: Laois workers 'left out' of budget, Fine Gael Cllr complains to Tánaiste Simon Harris

"People deserve to be able to walk in their neighbourhoods without fear or disgust, children should be able to play safely in the estate and elderly residents in particular should not be left living with this level of neglect," Senator McCormack said.

Her statement follows a call by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald on Laois County Council to take action on the rat "infestation". She tabled a motion to Portlaoise Municipal District,  see video story and what the council replied here.

The rats are also a problem on the other side of the raised railway line, at Laois County Council's Portlaoise Leisure Centre, and in the park, according to locals commenting on Facebook.

"They're running from the grass at the railway wall into the astro and along the walking path too," one said.

"I was in the park about 2 weeks ago there was about 10 I ran out of the park got to Esker hills and there was a few at the pond nearly had a heart attack" another person reported.