COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 10, 2022

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION: Councillor Eoin Ó Broin

The regressive response to Question 12 from the council of March 2022 that asked for an update on the feasibility study on the installation of public toilets is noted. To begin to resolve this situation in a progressive manner this council agrees to have one self cleaning one person outdoor public toilet installed in each of the four local areas of SDCC. http://www.sdublincoco.ie/Meetings/ViewDocument/74389

REPORT:

The demand for the provision of public toilets is something that arose during the first year of Covid 19 restrictions, at a time when hospitality venues were closed to the public but at the same time people were being encouraged to utilise outdoor spaces for recreation and exercise.  The situation that existed back then no longer applies as all restrictions have been lifted and all cafes, restaurants, bars and public facilities have reopened to the public.  Information available on-line in relation to publicly accessible toilets indicates that there are many options available in all town and village centre locations in the county such as cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, other premises where food is served such as supermarkets and filling stations, shopping centres, some public parks and some public buildings.  Access to public toilets is available at a large number of such locations around the County and for this reason the proposal to provide free standing, self-cleaning toilets at four locations around the County is not considered to be necessary. 

This Council's focus at the present time is to provide toilet facilities in public parks where these are needed.  In this regard public toilets were opened in 2021 in Tymon Park beside the new playground.  There are plans to replace the temporary toilets at the Wellington Lane car park in Tymon Park with new toilets which will form part of the new multi-generational facility and cafe to be developed there.  The development of further cafes complete with access to public toilets is planned for Corkagh Park, Airlie Park and other park locations in due course.