Rat-a-tat-tat, who’s got the cat?

KILLER rats are being blamed for the disappearance of a pet cat in Ennis, as local councillors called on litterbugs in the county town to clean up their act.

At this week’s meeting of Ennis Town Council, Councillor Frankie Neylon told how residents of St Flannan’s Terrace believe rats living in pallets dumped in the garden of a house have killed the missing cat.
“The garden is being used to dump pallets and other material that is coming from a business in the town. Residents in the area have been on to me for several months. A cat has gone missing and people are convinced that the rats killed him. It might seem a bit far-fetched but that’s what is being said. That area needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible,” he said.
Councillor Tommy Brennan supported the call, saying, “the amount of rodents coming out of there is unbelievable”.
Town manager Ger Dollard said the local authority is aware of the issue and while he could not go into detail, the council is “some way” in the process of dealing with the matter.
The annual report on the prevention and control of litter for 2011 was outlined to councillors at the meeting. Councillors heard €706,000 was spent on the council’s environmental programme, which includes such initiatives as the best kept schools competition, priming grants and assistance to voluntary groups.
A further €769,000 was spent by Ennis Town Council on street cleaning in 2011. A total of 63 litter fines were issued, with 24 fines paid and eight cases referred to solicitors.
The number of public health notices issued more than doubled from nine in 2010 to 25 in 2011. These notices are issued following a recommendation from the Environmental Health Officer on litter or rubbish that is not visible from a public place.
Last year, the council issued 43 abandoned vehicle notices, down from 86 in 2010, with four vehicles removed on behalf of the council.
According to figures relating to the National Spring Clean 2011, it seems more Ennis people are taking greater pride in the town’s appearance, with the number of residents’ groups taking part up from 27 in 2010 to 46 in 2011. The amount of priming grants paid by the council has also increased yearly from 2009, with more associations getting involved.
Mr Dollard said the report is by and large “very positive” and he complimented the council’s staff and efforts of Ennis Tidy Towns Committee. He encouraged the public to get involved in keeping the town tidy, saying, “anyone who can do a small bit to keep their area clean is appreciated”.
Councillor Peter Considine raised concerns about the “unbelievable amount” of litter on the town’s access roads, describing it as a “health hazard in some cases”. He said people should be conscious of the effect litter can have on tourism and job creation. Councillor Johnny Flynn suggested bylaws be introduced to tackle fly tipping.
Gerry Murphy, environmental patrol warden with the council, said Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council are working to combat litter. He also urged people to contact the 24-hour anti-litter hotline on 1800 606706.