THE unpleasant issue of dead animals found on Limerick City roads was on the mind of one councillor in Merchant’s Quay.
Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara wanted to know how often Limerick City and County Council has been contacted to remove roadkill over the past five years.
Cllr Hickey-O’Mara was also eager to find out if any roadkill black spots have been identified and whether the species of animal removed is recorded by the local authority.
The City North representative also enquired if there was any significant increases or decreases in roadkill over the past five year and how, once collected, it is disposed of.
The Council, in its response, explained that its complaints system does not have a service option for small dead animals which can be searched. However, it did say that a search of its system for the years 2020 to 2025 showed approximately 101 reports of dead animals on roads requiring removal. The actual amount of roadkill, Cllr Hickey-O’Mara was informed, is probably higher.
The Council had no reports of roadkill black spots, but was able to tell the City North representative that the 101 reports of dead animals on their system included 12 dead dogs, eight dead cats, a dead bird, 28 reports of dead foxes, and seven reports of other animals of unrecorded species.
“Roadkill occurs throughout the year, no significant increases/decreases per month have been noted. It is disposed of as general waste, which is processed by a waste management company,” the Council commented.
