Tenants in Dublin City Council-owned flats have spoken up about their struggles with infestations of "rats the size of cats".
In an exclusive video interview with Dublin Live, residents of Glovers Court and York Street, just off St Stephen's Green, opened up about the rodent problem that has plagued their homes in recent months.
The residents say they can't let their children play in the playground anymore because of the issue.
Michelle of Glovers Court flats said: "Something needs to be done. It is our generation of children that are suffering from it.
"We don't care about ourselves. It is the kids that come first and they can't live like this. You wouldn't put a dog in this place."
"Our children can't go out in the park because there are rats the size of cats because the council decided to take the bins from there, where there were no rats, down to their nest."
Celine O'Brien, a neighbour of Michelle, said: "It is appalling between rats and people urinating and pooing where your children are playing. You can't let your children play out in the playground - it is just unhygienic."
"It is 2021, it shouldn't be going on."
Jimmy Kenny, who has been living in Glovers Court for the last 44 years, meets his family down the road in a cafe because he is "embarrassed" by condition of the flats.
He said: "It is embarrassing bringing some of the family back. I have to meet them outside to have a coffee.
"I'd love for them to get it in order and redo them up. I wouldn't like to leave the area."
Ann Reddin of the York Street apartments said ten rat nests were found under the balcony of one apartment recently.
She said: "There is decking and then there is a ten inch gap and then there is concrete. The rats are getting in through the back of balcony and they are nesting underneath the decking."
"When Dublin City Council came out, they found 10 rat nests. The residents want the situation with the rats resolved. It is not acceptable and it cannot continue."
Dublin Live has contacted Dublin City Council for comment.
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