2 days ago
RTÉ's unwelcome guests: Rats run riot in Montrose
RTÉ has had a spate of pest problems this year with rats and mice sighted in the crèche, the main canteen, the wardrobe department, and even on the Fair City set.
The national broadcaster has spent €5,400 on pest checks and inspections over the past 12 months in its sprawling Dublin 4 complex.
Last December, exterminators were called in after a 'reported mouse sighting' in the crèche, inspection logs revealed. RTÉ has had a spate of pest problems this year with rats and mice sighted in the crèche, the main canteen, the wardrobe department, and even on the Fair City set. Pic: Fran Veale
A report said the area was inspected and treated and that a follow-up visit would take place within ten days.
In February, there were more problems at the crèche when there were 'reported mouse droppings in the kitchen'.
On the same day, another report came in from the second floor of the RTÉ library building where 'one dead mouse was removed from the premises'. The national broadcaster has spent €5,400 on pest checks and inspections over the past 12 months in its sprawling Dublin 4 complex. Pic: Fran Veale
A follow-up inspection warned that there was a large gap under the main doors of the library, which might have been the cause of the problem.
A report said: 'Bristle strips are advised as it prevents easy access for rodents.
'All fly units cleaned and maintained, and new sticky boards fitted and found to be in good working order.' In late March, Rentokil was called out after a 'mouse sighting' in the main canteen.
All monitoring points were inspected and showed no signs of 'lingering activity,' but two new special mouse-catching Radar (Rodent Activated Detection And Riddance) units were installed as a precaution. A stock image of a rodent. Pic: Shutterstock
Follow-up inspections on the canteen and other food areas of RTÉ showed no further activity, according to records.
In April, an exterminator twice found evidence of rodent activity at a rubbish compactor area, although a follow-up later that month said the problem had been resolved.
One of the reports said: 'Area was inspected, further rodent activity found at the waste management area and Fair City set.'
Other problems were rodent droppings in a wardrobe area with 'old rat droppings' found after a deeper investigation. One of the reports said: 'Area was inspected, further rodent activity found at the waste management area and Fair City set.' Pic: RTÉ
A spokesman said RTÉ had an ongoing contract for checks and inspections and where rodent activity is suspected, appropriate treatment is applied and follow-up calls arranged.
He said: 'A small number of isolated minor occurrences of rodent activity have been identified over the past 12 months on RTÉ's Donnybrook campus.
'In these cases, Rentokil inspected and treated the relevant area. There has been no disruption to RTÉ's operations during this period.'
RTÉ's main canteen, which the spokesman said is 'under new management', reopened to staff last Saturday, June 7, 'following an interim period to allow the new contractor to establish its operations', he added. A stock image of a rodent. Pic: Shutterstock
Meanwhile, staff have long complained about the state of the offices in Donnybrook, with numerous reports that the canteen has been overrun with rodents in recent years, while one disgruntled RTÉ worker told the Mail that the newsroom is a 'f***ing kip'.
exposed how journalists at the national broadcaster were 'livid' over the station's use of actors to play journalists in a promotional video filmed in the national broadcaster's newsroom.
RTÉ's managing director of news, Deirdre McCarthy, later confirmed that the total cost for the promotional ad was expected to be €77,000, plus VAT.
A spokeswoman for RTÉ confirmed it was planning a new promotion 'highlighting the work of journalists within RTÉ News and Current Affairs'.
She confirmed that 'some newsroom staff' have asked questions about the new campaign.
It was also confirmed the promotion was created in-house, but some 'additional filming crews' were brought in to help shoot the ad. It is being made from existing in-house marketing budgets.
