By Andy Spearman
When rats began to emerge from a broken sewer onto the front garden of her house at St. Laurence’s Park three years ago, Susan Mallon could have been excused for thinking that the powers that be would have done something to remedy the situation pretty quickly.
It seems though that nothing happens quickly in 21st century Ireland. Susan reported this situation, which she rightly considers to be a health hazard, to the Council but was told she should be talking to Irish Water.
However, when she rang Irish Water she was told that, because the manhole to the sewer was in her front garden and not on the street, it was the responsibility of the Council and she should be talking to them.
Meanwhile, in the three years that have passed since she first complained, the only work that has been carried out has been by the rats who have turned Susan’s front garden into a warren with eight entrances/exits to their underground nests.
It’s a good job that Susan is a sensible woman and not one to panic, she would be a nervous wreck by now if she was, but she would just like to get the problem sorted.
Where many people would be terrified of encountering rats anywhere near their home, Susan says her main fear is that she will sprain her ankle by stepping in to one of the rat holes in her front lawn.
It’s not just Susan that has been affected by this infestation however. Her next door neighbour, Alan Clarke, told Drogheda Life that he had caught and killed five rats in his shed. Other neighbours have encountered rats in their attic and one unfortunate woman came across a rat in her bathroom.
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Since the rats first appeared 3-4 years ago Irish Water and the council have done, well, not very much really. In fact they’ve done nothing.
So Susan turned to Independent Councillor Declan Power to see could he spur someone into action. He raised the matter at the May Borough Council meeting calling on Louth Co. Council for “prompt action” to repair the drain. He was told that a crew would attend to the matter but, up until yesterday at least, nobody has turned up.
“This has been a significant concern for Susan for the last 3-4 years” Cllr. Power said. “Rats have burrowed several holes in the garden and can be seen running in and out daily and often into neighbouring gardens.
“Any infestation of Rats is a severe health issue and shouldn’t be taken lightly. As we know, rats can spread Weill’s disease, typhoid and typhus.
“I have been liaising with Louth County Council engineers however, and I’m confident we can have a resolution within the next week or two with all works fully completed” Cllr. Power said.
