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Since 2020, councils and housing authorities across Northern Ireland have received over 66,000 reports and complaints concerning pest problems, with rats and mice making up the majority of these concerns. This surge in pest-related issues has especially impacted business owners in County Tyrone, where several traders in Dungannon town centre have expressed growing frustration. Noel Stringer, who runs a phone shop there, described encountering rats near his premises that were “the size of a small dog,” highlighting the severity of the situation.
A key focal point for the rodent infestation is Wilson’s Lane, also known locally as Babe’s Entry. This laneway, historically recognized as a public right of way connecting two main streets in Dungannon, has reportedly been neglected for months, covered in pigeon droppings, and insufficiently cleaned. Local politicians and business representatives believe that this lack of maintenance is a significant factor contributing to the persistent rodent problem. Although planning documents confirm the lane’s status as a public right of way, Mid Ulster Council states that the lane is privately owned, complicating regular upkeep efforts.
The state of Wilson’s Lane reflects broader challenges in managing the area’s redevelopment. Centum, the company that submitted plans to develop the site, explained that the visible rodent issues are “entirely predictable given long-term disrepair linked to stalled development.” They noted that delays, which they describe as “repeatedly blocked,” have directly resulted in rising public health concerns. While the company remains committed to engaging on safety and environmental matters, they acknowledged that without progress on redevelopment, alternative interim management strategies may be necessary to safeguard public wellbeing. The Dungannon Traders’ Association expressed its support for regeneration of the area, emphasizing that the site has “been allowed to fall into serious decline.” They called for constructive engagement to ensure successful development, noting that delays stem from multiple factors including confirmed infrastructure constraints.
Efforts to address the issue have involved some cleaning initiatives, such as a power hose cleaning arranged by independent councillor Barry Monteith. However, Monteith emphasized that pigeon nesting continues to exacerbate the problem, rendering short-term measures ineffective. He has repeatedly advocated for Wilson’s Lane to be adopted into the town’s formal footpath network, which would allow for consistent council maintenance and inclusion in the town’s cleaning schedule. Meanwhile, Mid Ulster District Council acknowledged that while they periodically clean the lane due to its proximity to the town centre, the responsibility for pest control on private property rests with the property owner or occupier. The council’s environmental health teams continue to liaise with the private owner to encourage effective pest control methods.
The pest problem is not limited to Wilson’s Lane; local representatives have reported rising rodent sightings in residential areas of Dungannon. Ian Irwin, representing the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), mentioned receiving distressing reports from residents, including one who shared videos of a large rat near her home. The overall issue has involved substantial expenditure, with over £4 million spent by councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on addressing pest control since 2020. Belfast City Council stands out as the only council providing a free pest control service, mainly targeting rats and mice. Most other councils focus on offering advice and support rather than direct pest control services. Mid Ulster Council noted that while not legally obligated to provide pest control, their environmental health department is committed to delivering advice, support, and enforcement where necessary to help manage infestations and protect the district from pest-related problems
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