Rat infestation on Derry's Riverside Walk
'Council has been notified of rodent activity along parts of the quayside area and this is currently under investigation'
A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council has explained Council does not provide a pest control service however its Environmental Health team will use enforcement powers available to it when necessary if there is a potential risk to public health.
It followed a video which was widely shared on Thursday of a number of clearly visible rats scuttling about the lower end of Derry's Riverside Walk.
The Council spokesperson added: "Rats are more active during the summer months, so may be more visible, particularly in riverside areas and in areas where food waste or rubbish may be stored.
Council has been notified of rodent activity along parts of the quayside area and this is currently under investigation with advice provided to commercial premises in the vicinity.
"If a rodent problem is reported Council can provide advice on measures to prevent and control the problem however Council does not provide any form of pest control treatment such as the laying of bait or traps.
"We would remind people that discarding food waste and rubbish will attract rodents and appeal to people to be responsible, wrap any leftovers up securely and dispose of waste in the bins provided. Advice on pest control is available on Council's website at derrystrabane.com"
"Council is aware of rodent activity reported at Queen's Quay and has implemented immediate measures to assist local landowners and businesses to address this issue.
"Following thorough on-site assessments, our Environmental Health team has determined that rodents were not nesting within the area of the planters, but had been using them as transit routes to travel from their nesting area to access food sources elsewhere.
"The Council is taking proactive steps to ensure the swift resolution of this situation, including the removal of some of planters in order to disrupt these pathways. We are also actively engaging with relevant third-party landowners in the vicinity to ensure comprehensive pest control measures are implemented across the area. Public health remains our top priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely."
The Derry News has also contacted the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. A spokesperson said: "Vermin control would be the responsibility of local council."