An online petition is calling for Dublin City Council to deal with rat infestations.
Sinn Fein TD Chris Andrews and Councillor Daniel Céitinn started the petition after an increase in the rodents, and plans to bring it to Ministers after the summer break.
Deputy Chris Andrews is calling on the council and the HSE to take action on the issue: "The rat problem in Dublin City is a major public health hazard and creates an unsafe environment for children.
"We need to provide a safe and clean environment in the city for the benefit of everyone.
"People want this because they care for their city.
"The HSE are responsible for pest control in the region, but Dublin City Council needs to take a more active role.
"The most important work that DCC can do is proactively maintain residential complexes and public domain to make these environments less attractive to rat populations.
"Bins in flat complexes need to be better protected from both rats and birds.
"Sewers and breeding grounds need to be brought under control with targeted measures which any pest control company could use.
"We need more resources for pest control units in Dublin City to deal with this problem in a serious way."
