Limerick Council issue update following removal of rats from city plant bed

LIMERICK City and County Council (LCCC) have issued an update following the discovery of rats in an O'Connell Street planter in Limerick city centre last week.

The council confirmed this Monday, July 14, that the affected area will remain sectioned off for all of this week "in the interest of safety".

The section was initially cordoned off with cones and tape but has since been closed off using Harris fencing.

Limerick Live has learnt that some rodents were removed from the area, which has since been treated by a pest control company and is being monitored daily. 

Nearby planters are also being checked every day for vermin, with none spotted so far.

The council issued a gentle reminder to the public to dispose of food waste responsibly.

The pack of rats were spotted last week on O'Connell Street near Bedford Row.

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One local business manager shared photos with Limerick Live, taken on Wednesday, July 9 just after 5pm, of the rats scurrying around on the bench seat surrounding the plant box.

A passer-by who contacted Limerick Live on Thursday, July 10 to voice their concerns said: "I couldn't believe my eyes - there were so many of them."

"To see this on O'Connell Street is incredible. I don't know where they are coming from and unfortunately it's not just one or two, there are lots of them walking around the street."

Read the full statement issued by LCCC this Monday below: 

"The planter bed where rodent activity was identified remains closed off using Harris fencing in the interest of public health and safety.

"A professional pest control company have been dealing with the vermin since LCCC was alerted.

"Some rodents have been removed and the area has been treated.

"The area is being monitored with checks each morning, including across the weekend.

"The other planters in the vicinity are also being checked each day for any activity - so far there is no activity in nearby planters. 

"The affected planter will remain closed off for this week in the interest of safety.

"Before reopening the bed will be thoroughly checked for any rodent activity and the planter will also be sanitised.

"The presence of discarded food continues to be a significant attractant for rodents.

"Limerick City and County Council kindly remind members of the public to dispose of food waste responsibly and refrain from leaving any food items in public spaces."