Council investigation into complaints of rats roaming Galway's streets
Galway City Council is investigating health and safety complaints about rats roaming the city’s streets.
The local authority confirmed it had received complaints about rat sightings and it was assessing what action is needed.
The Galway City Tribune understands one of the complaints related to sightings of rats at Galway’s first ever ‘rain garden’ delivered as part of an Active Travel scheme at Sea Road and The Crescent.
The scheme, which includes landscaping designed to prevent flooding and enhance drainage by absorbing rainwater, won an award at the LAMA All-Ireland Community and Council Awards.
But the local authority has received complaints from members of the public about rat sightings at the rain gardens, and elsewhere, which has caused public health and safety concerns.
It’s understood community wardens are aware of the problem.
Mayor of Galway, Councillor Mike Cubbard (Ind) has referred at least one complaint to City Hall where the resident was alarmed at the increased rodent activity.
A Council spokesperson said: “Galway City Council can confirm that it has received correspondence this week in relation to reports of pest activity in the Westend area. The matter has been referred to the relevant section of the Council and is being dealt with.
“The appropriate service area has acknowledged receipt of the information provided and is assessing the matter to determine whether any follow‑up action is required.”
Last year, during the final week of Galway International Arts Festival a video depicting rats scurrying around Eyre Square went viral on social media.
The City Council hired a pest control company and told the Galway City Tribune at the time that its ground crew were logging rodent activity.