NI council reveals findings of investigation into ‘rodent activity' on busy walkway after ‘concerning' video emerges
After a video showing dozens of rats scurrying along the quayside in the city was shared online, Derry and Strabane District Council began an investigation.
The council has now said that it has 'implemented immediate measures to assist local landowners and businesses to address this issue'.
The council added that its Environmental Health team has determined that rodents were not nesting within the area of the planters on the quayside, but were using the planters as 'transit routes' to access food elsewhere.
A spokesperson added: '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 video, which received over 500,000 views on TikTok, shows dozens of rats scurrying around the popular walkway.
Ciaran Faulkner, who captured the footage, said the video 'didn't really do it justice', as there were many more of the vermin running around.
He added that he'd never seen so many rats in the area.
He said: 'It seems to be getting worse — and around food places; it just isn't good.
'How could you not be concerned for health and safety?'
Patricia Page from North West Pest Control said that the rodents appearing from the planters is 'indicative of a bad issue', and gave her insight for how the problem could be combatted.
'You'll generally only see rats during the day if there's competition for food,' she said.
'In that particular video it's clear to see that there's quite an overgrowth of vegetation. In my opinion I would advise cutting that way back to minimise harbourage.'
The pest expert added: 'I would either put them flat on the ground or ideally raise them up a bit more.
"If the rat doesn't feel secure in a particular environment then they'll move on."
Derry City and Strabane People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said: 'Sightings of rodents along the quay are concerning, especially for establishments providing food.'
He added that he would 'urge businesses and everyone using the area to ensure all possible steps are taken to ensure health and safety are the priority'.
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