Lidl store in Dublin temporarily shut down due to rodent feces discoveries and a sighting of a mouse
Lidl Supermarket in Dublin Temporarily Closed Due to Rodent Infestation
The Lidl supermarket on Sallynoggin Road, Glenageary, Co Dublin was temporarily closed in July 2025 due to a rodent infestation. The closure was a result of rodent droppings found on the shop floor, near freezers, and in store rooms, as well as a live mouse sighting.
Following the closure, Lidl took immediate action by closing the store and collaborating fully with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and a professional pest control service. The corrective measures included a full pest control inspection, deep cleaning and thorough sanitation of the entire store, and pest proofing the premises to prevent further rodent access.
After these interventions, the HSE reinspected the store and approved it to reopen, indicating the issues had been resolved satisfactorily. Lidl also conducted an internal review of its processes to reinforce food safety and cleanliness standards as a priority moving forward.
Elsewhere, the Brandon Hotel in Tralee, Co Kerry was forced to close all kitchen areas and the restaurant due to a significant cockroach infestation throughout the food premises. Alive cockroaches were observed in the restaurant, and dead cockroaches were found under work surfaces and cooking equipment, under shelves where dry food is stored, on the floor in the wash-up area, and of the staff canteen.
In another incident, rat droppings were found in the dishwasher room and the food store at Costa Coffee on Dawson Street in Dublin. A gap at the bottom of the main customer door could allow pests such as rats to enter the food business.
These incidents highlight the importance of maintaining high food safety standards, a view shared by Greg Dempsey, chief executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). He emphasized that failure to comply with food safety obligations can lead to enforcement actions, as demonstrated this month.
The FSAI could provide support and advice to food businesses to help them meet their obligations. For instance, Hidden Dojo Asian Street food and Wakami Sushi & Asian, both on Phibsborough Road in Dublin, were served with closure orders. However, Creed's Foodstore, Cahir, Co Tipperary; Londis Connaught Street, Athboy, Co Meath; and KRS Catering Stall, Clonmel, Co Tipperary were served with closure enforcement orders, but have since been lifted.
It is crucial for all food businesses to prioritize food safety and cleanliness to protect the health of their customers and avoid any unnecessary closures.
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