Public Toilets to get a Makeover

By Colm Croffy

Proposed new Toilets in St Michaels Square Ballinasloe

“At 32.6 per cent, one of the highest numbers of old-age in the county – there is a significant number of older people living here. We have a disability rate that is higher than the average in the State. We have more reason than any other place to have a public toilet,” said Cllr Parsons, adding that the condition of the existing toilets was appalling. We are a hospital town,” said Cllr Parsons referring to the number of patients visiting Ballinasloe to go to Portiuncula.

Spending a penny on Ballinasloe’s public toilets is long overdue, an early summer meeting of area councillors was informed! Cllr Evelyn Parson (Ind) described the state of the toilet block at St Michael’s carpark in the town as “totally unsatisfactory” and reiterated previous calls for investment in an upgrade – and to make the toilets accessible to people with disabilities. “This has been a bugbear of mine since I came into the Council, I know there has been funding sought from the Community Recognition Fund. If it doesn’t get funding from that, we must get it elsewhere,” said Cllr Parsons.

Ballinasloe has one of the largest populations of older people in the county, she said, and a significant number of people living with varying levels of disability. For these reasons alone, there should be an accessible public toilet in the town.

“At 32.6 per cent, one of the highest numbers of old-age in the county – there is a significant number of older people living here. We have a disability rate that is higher than the average in the State. We have more reason than any other place to have a public toilet,” said Cllr Parsons, adding that the condition of the existing toilets was appalling. We are a hospital town,” said Cllr Parsons referring to the number of patients visiting Ballinasloe to go to Portiuncula.

Cllr Dermot Connolly (SF) explained how “We got representations from a husband and wife who had used both zones. It is highly outdated – it needs to be at least retiled and replumbed. We’re not looking for the bicycle shed but we do want people to be able to use the toilets,” said Cllr Connelly, referring to the €335,000 Dáil bicycle shed.

llr Alan Harney (FG) said it was “clear for all to see” that the current toilets were not fit for purpose. Senior Executive Engineer Derek Troy said every effort was being made to secure the money required to upgrade the toilets. The Minister Confirmed a grant of €125,000 towards the costs of the refurbishment project in early June from the Community Recognition Fund. “

llr Dr. Evelyn Parsons welcomed the news “I’m delighted to see this long-awaited project moving forward! A major priority for accessibility and modern facilities which I have consistently promoted since joining the council for accessibility and inclusion. After sustained work and I submitted a CRF EOI proposal last year, progressed through a strong application from Municipal engineer team to successful funding of €125,000”

Thanks to the local team, a draft layout for the St Michael’s Square public toilets upgrade is now prepared and is available for community feedback.  Dublin City Council announced plans to go to tender earlier this month to build new four cubicle toilets – similar to what’s proposed for Design and Capital outlay at a cool €1.3 million each!! If you’re part of a local group or have an interest in the project, please take a look and share your thoughts. Deadline for feedback is August 1 but if there’s broad agreement, the project will proceed to procurement