Midelton residents warned about toilet rats

Homeowners have been advised to watch their bums during floods after a man in Midleton, Co Cork, was bitten by a rat while sitting on the toilet.

Councillor Noel Collins reported the incident to Cork County Council during the recent Southern Area meeting, after asking them to investigate the possibility of flushing rat poison through the sewer system.

“The flooding resulted in another problem for residents, that of rat infestation, which really upset many families, mentally and physically, and indeed, one elderly gentleman suffered a rat bite to his posterior while using his toilet, and had to receive immediate medical attention,” he explained.

A plumber found a broken sewer pipe nearby, which is believed to have allowed the rat to enter the system.

The council warned that flushing rat poison through the public system could lead to contamination of other water sources, but said that Irish Water are responsible for vermin control within the system.

“I would advise homeowners to keep their toilet lids down when not in use. And to watch their posteriors,” the Midleton-based independent councillor said.