Issues with Rats - Pest Control

Rats on Private Land/Property

Rats Under the Rats and Mice Destruction Act 1919 (Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919), the occupier of land is responsible for any rodent infestation/treatment.

1.Any person who shall fail to take such steps as may from time to time be necessary and reasonably practicable for the destruction of rats and mice on or in any land of which he is the occupier, or for preventing such land from becoming infested with rats or mice, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five pounds(Class E fine)*, or, where he has been served with a notice under this Act requiring him to take such steps, not exceeding twenty pounds(Class D Fine)*  *Amended by the Fines Act

The enforcement powers under this act have been transferred from Local Authorities to the Health Services Executive under the Health Acts.

Council Owned Land

The Council as an occupier is responsible for managing rats on its land including public roads and open space. This is managed by the Council’s operations department. See here Operations

Foul Sewers/Foul Drains

If the infestation is associated with defective foul sewers (usually sewer pipes in the road) this is a matter for Uisce Eireann

Defective foul drains (usually a pipe serving a number of properties within the curtilages of the properties and connecting to the sewer in the road) are the responsibility of the owners of the premises connected to the drain Section 43 Water Services Act 2007

Illegal Waste Management

Where a rat/mice infestation is due to an illegal accumulation of waste at a neighbouring property the Council has enforcement powers under the Waste Management Act to address the illegal waste issue.

If you wish to make a complaint regarding illegal waste management, you can email the Waste Enforcement section at [email protected] please provide location details including pictures and your contact details.

Further information from the HSE can be found here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/environ/pest-control.html Pest Control - HSE.ie