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Waste Disposal

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020

Wednesday, 13 May 2020

Questions (524)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

524. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if local authorities have powers under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919 to take action in cases in which the build-up of an accumulation of rubbish and litter in the back garden of a privately owned house is causing a rodent infestation in adjoining dwellings; if the authorities have the power to inspect such a property and to order the removal of the rubbish and litter on public health grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4235/20]

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Written answers

Responsibility for local authorities comes under the remit of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. However, the HSE also has a role under the Act insofar as it relates to rodent infestation.

Section 1 of the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919 states that any person who shall fail to take such steps as may from time to time be necessary and reasonably practicable for the destruction of rats and mice on or in any land of which he is the occupier, or for preventing such land from becoming infested with rats or mice, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine.

I have been informed by the HSE that, if an authorised officer of the HSE is of the opinion that the occupier of any land has failed to take such steps as are required under the Act, a notice may be served on the occupier requiring him to take such steps as are prescribed in the notice within a time specified therein or enter upon the land and take such steps as are necessary and reasonably practicable for the purpose of destroying the rats and mice on the land or of preventing the land from becoming infested with rats and mice, and may recover any reasonable expenses so incurred from the occupier of the land summarily as a civil debt.

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