Workers Party Representative for Mid-Ulster Hugh Scullion has called on Mid Ulster Council to take immediate action on the Rats in Dungannon Town Centre.
Mr Scullion said the response from the council and the company Centum is totally unacceptable both have a responsibility to the people and business owners in the area. The company cannot simply shrug their shoulders and say, “that is what happens because of long term disrepair” if they own the properties in the area, then they have a responsibility to deal with these issues. The Council also have a responsibility to the rate payers to use all enforcement measures at their disposal to deal with what has clearly become a public health issue.
Mr Scullion said it is disgraceful that there are reports of rats the size of small dogs roaming the streets in this area. Rats spread disease and if they are using the lanes as a source of not only food but latrines, this presents a danger to children and adults. People are entitled to feel angry and let down by the constant buck passing by the company and the council, the council must act to protect the community, and to ensure a safe and hygienic environment. The company has a moral and a legal obligation to deal with the consequences of the disrepair, including rodents in those properties. The legal hold up on the regeneration and redevelopment are not the fault of local ratepayers and must be dealt with as a major public health issue.
