Sinn Fein said illegal dumping has contributed to the number of rats gathering in the Bawnogue area of Clondalkin, Dublin.

Councillor Mark Ward said he has "no doubt" illegal dumping contributed to the problem and confirmed there was also an increase in illegal dumping following talks about introducing pay per weight bin collections.

He said: "During on-site visits I have had to the affected areas, it was noticeable how clean the estates where and how much pride residents had in their area. However this didn't seem to deter the rats.

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"The areas reported to me have been Kilcronan, Kilmahuddrick, and Grange View. This issue seems to be concentrated in areas situated between St Cuthbert's Park and the Canal. I've no doubt that illegal dumping has contributed to this problem.

"Another area of concern is rats that have got into people's homes come under the responsibility of the HSE. The HSE's environmental health department has suffered through austerity measures. There are only now two people charged with rodent control for South County Dublin. This is totally inadequate and in my opinion the problem will only get worse."

(CD/LM)