COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN/PALMERSTOWN/NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

MOTION NO. 2

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell, Councillor L. O'Toole

This council requests the Chief Executive to immediately make provisions for installation of public toilets into L/P/NC area on a temporary basis' in locations that serve the wider community. This requests arises from the many calls, emails etc we as local representatives have received and especially due to the current climate whereby there will be no easing of the restrictions for some-time and from today travel within our county has been extended, from 5km to 20km. Footfall in spaces such as recreational amenities, parks, villages etc are now in higher numbers, and many will be able travel further, but with no access to toilet facilities. We as a county and at national level have been and continue to encourage our citizens, to stay local, shop local and support local. The lack of toilet facilities has become an issue and in many cases causing stress and anxiety. 'Last summer, thousands of people met up for walks and talks in our parks and found themselves at a loss when nature called. Public toilets are needed in order to enjoy 'the outdoors for more than an hour or two' this summer.

REPORT:

Members will be aware that this issue was debated at the full Council Meeting in October 2020. The following revised Motion was agreed at that meeting;

“This Council requests the CE to carry out a feasibility study and costing to install self-cleaning outdoor public toilets on the high streets of each of the seven local electoral areas of the county and to liaise with the City of Paris if any advice on the matter needed.”

The feasibility study is underway and it will be reported to the Environment, Water and Climate Change SPC later in the year. If the SPC agrees to recommend the provision of such facilities then provision would need to be made in the 2022 budget for such facilities. There is no current budget allocation for the provision of public toilets.

There are public toilets (attached to Council buildings) currently provided in Corkagh Park and in Tymon Park.