Fly-tipping and an underground river are contributing to the rodent problem for residents
Sean Doherty of Beechmount Residents Collective
A West Belfast community is calling for support to deal with an infestation of “rats the size of cats”.
The Beechmount Resident Collective say that in recent weeks they have received numerous reports of rats coming into people’s gardens with some families scared to let their children out to play because of the rodents.
They say the issue is due to a combination of factors, including fly-tipping in alleyways throughout the community and an underground river that runs underneath numerous properties across the Beechmount area. Concerns have also been raised about numerous empty properties in the area that have also attracted rats and other pests.
Residents told Belfast Live that “huge” rats could be seen climbing the curtains of one empty house infested with the rodents.
BRC says the areas worst affected by the rats are Beechmount Grove, Beechmount Walk, Beechmount Crescent, Beechmount Avenue, Ancomri Street, and Locan Street, with some residents saying the problem is so bad they may sell their homes.
Speaking to Belfast Live Sean Doherty from Beechmount Resident Collective said: “The Beechmount Residents Collective Comhphobal Ard na bhFeá is highlighting serious and worsening conditions and rat infestation affecting residents across the Beechmount, Iveagh, and surrounding areas of West Belfast.
“Recently our group has been approached by residents from Beechmount Grove, Beechmount Walk, Beechmount Crescent, Beechmount Avenue, Ancomri Street, and Locan Street reporting major concerns around rats entering gardens, alleyways, and homes.
“Some residents have described the rats as being nearly the size of a small cat. Others have reported rats entering houses during the night. One resident told us that what they believed to be a rat entered their kitchen and ate food that had been left out overnight.
“Residents in Beechmount Grove have also raised concerns about the old river area between the Grove and Mica Drive, which many believe may be contributing to the infestation. There are additional concerns surrounding vacant and neglected houses in the area, including reports of rats being seen climbing curtains inside an empty property in Beechmount Crescent.
“Across Beechmount, Iveagh, and surrounding districts, residents have watched the conditions of the area worsen over the past year due to ongoing issues involving empty homes, landlord neglect, poor environmental conditions, and widespread fly-tipping of food waste and rubbish in alleyways and back entries.
“Families are becoming increasingly distressed, with some residents telling us they are now afraid to let children play in back gardens or alleyways because of hygiene and health concerns. Some long-term residents are even speaking about moving out of the area because they feel the situation has become unbearable and that their concerns are not being taken seriously enough.
“As a community organisation working directly on the ground, we believe there has been a lack of meaningful engagement from those in positions of responsibility. Residents feel neglected and believe stronger action should already have been taken before the situation escalated to this level.
“We are now formally calling for urgent intervention from Belfast City Council Pest Control and Environmental Health teams, including a joint meeting within the area and a full investigation into possible nesting sites, vacant properties, fly-tipping hotspots, and environmental conditions contributing to the infestation.
“At the same time, we are encouraging residents to work collectively to help reduce the problem by keeping back entries and alleyways clear of rubbish, avoiding leaving pet food outside, and ensuring children’s toys and outdoor surfaces are properly cleaned.
“The Beechmount Residents Collective Comhphobal Ard na bhFeá will continue supporting residents, highlighting these concerns publicly, and putting pressure on all relevant authorities until meaningful action is taken and local people receive the safe and healthy living conditions they deserve.”
A Belfast City Council Spokesperson said: “We received a request for assistance from a community group in the Beechmount area on 7 May 2026, which our Environmental Health Officers will facilitate.
“Belfast City Council takes all reports of rodent infestations seriously and investigates all complaints received. We would urge residents who have concerns about rodent activity within their property to contact the pest control service on 028 90270431 to schedule an appointment.”
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