Rats in Dail Eireann resulted in pest control experts being called out numerous times in the past two years.
High levels of rodent activity were reported in parts of the complex, according to a series of reports by exterminators Rentokil.
Dead rats, pigeon fouling, a playground beehive, and a magpie who “didn’t make it” were among the pest control issues reported in Leinster House over the past year.
In one area, pest controllers suggested work in rooms in the
Fisheries area of the complex be ceased entirely “until full control is achieved and area is sanitised”.
The reports also recommended extra care be taken in how food was stored in cafes and other facilities.
Rentokil said contained units should be used for any foodstuff, otherwise it would “only encourage unwanted pests in this area as a possible rodent sighting was noted on the floor below last week”. The report also referenced a notorious incident where a rat was spotted in the Dail
bar in early 2019.
It said: “This would be a similar situation when the rodent was hoarding bars of chocolate behind the kick board in the bar.”
In a basement area, one Rentokil report said bird droppings in the area were continuing to get worse and needed to be cleaned away or it would “encourage insect infestation and may pose a health and safety risk”.
In a switchroom on the first floor, evidence of old rat droppings had been located under the floor void.
The report said: “It’s highly recommended a thorough antibacterial treatment is carried out to remove any possible disease risk for staff.” In a basement walkway, Rentokil suggested Leinster House needed to look at a bird deterrent device.
It added: “High levels of pigeon fouling was noted on air handling units and the walkway.”
Elsewhere, sanitisation of an area above a ceiling void was suggested because of the level of rat droppings.
A dead rodent was also discovered near a toilet on level one of the building. Another area around
electrical substations was reported to have a “really strong smell of urine” along with high levels of droppings.
There were also concerns flagged about a possible beehive near the creche playground in Kildare House.
The records, which were released under FOI, also show that in excess of €58,000 was spent on pest control services on Leinster House and nearby staff buildings between April 2019 and August of this year.
A spokeswoman for the Oireachtas said they had nothing to add.
