Cllr. Hopefull Of North Kildare Public Toilet Pilot, Despite €70,000 Cost.

Monday, 5 July 2021 11:24

KCC estimates cleaning and security costs for a full year, per block, at around a quarter of a million euro.

A North Kildare Cllr. says he is hopeful for the provision of temporary public toilets, despite the €70,000 installation cost.

That figure, for a single block, was confirmed by Kildare County Council.

Furthermore, the council estimates cleaning and security costs for a full year, per block, at around a quarter of a million euro.

The lack of public toilets to enable an "outdoor summer" is a significant issue in most Kildare Towns.

Green Cllr., Peter Hamilton, raised the issue at the June meeting of the Clane Maynooth MD, and has been speaking to Kildare Today.

KCC says "The Transportation Department has undertaken some research with our local colleagues regarding the options available, the associated costs and the ‘demand’ for additional services."

And, it adds "Temporary toilet blocks, similar to those installed in Grafton Street and Wolfe Tone Square in Dublin have an estimated installation cost of €70,000 per block. These block units are connected to the public mains and sewer facilities providing male/female services and are open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. in most instances. There are significant additional costs associated with security and cleaning of the facilities with an annual cost estimated at €250,000 - €300,000 for a block unit.".

The council has noted that members voted four years ago to end the contract for the provision of public toilets in several towns in the county, none of which were in the Clane Maynooth MD "Kildare County Council has previously provided public conveniences in Kildare, Newbridge, Naas and Athy. Members raised concerns in 2015 regarding the cost of providing the service compared to the use of the faciilties and income derived from each unit. In 2017, the contract with the service provider was terminated, with the agreement of elected members, 12 months in advance of it’s expiry date. "

The council is also of the view provision of facilities through its own premises may be the best solution "Considering the options .. implemented by other local authorities, the COVID-19 health guidelines and possible reluctance of the public to use the facilities, the provision of toilet facilities in our public buildings could provide a solution as demand continues to decrease."

Cllr. Hamilton joined Eoin Beatty on Monday's edition of Kildare Today:

More from Local News

Call For Sanitary Bins In Men’s Toilets To Support Prostate Cancer Survivors

Audio

Each year, around 4000 men in Ireland are diagnosed with the disease, with research from PHS and the Irish Cancer Society finding more than half of men with incontinence feel anxious because of poor toilet facilities.
Own-Brand Foods Often Produced By Same Factories As Big Labels, Says Money Doctor John Lowe

Choosing own-brand products can also save money, with Lowe noting that many supermarket labels are produced by the same manufacturers as well-known brands.
Kfm Strengthens Position As Kildare’s Most Listened-To Station, According To Latest Ipsos/MRBI Report

Kfm CEO Clem Ryan said: “This latest research is a major reflection of the power of local radio, which showcases local issues , and where advertisers reach their target customers in real time."
Quarter Of Uisce Éireann Staff Earned Over €100k Last Year

Audio

Officials from Uisce Eireann are appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, outlining the company’s financial statements for 2024.
Meath Bird Flu Case Prompts Warning, But Chicken And Turkey Safe To Eat, Says Agriculture Minister

Audio

After confirmed cases in Carlow and Cork, the Department of Agriculture is imposing a mandatory order for all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors from next Monday.
One-Month Road Closure In Catherinestown To Start Next Week To Facilitate Maynooth Pipeline Works

The road will shut from the junction with the L5050 at Catherinstown to the L1015 at Kellystown from November 10th to December 6th.
Commuter Chaos On M7/N7 Renews Calls For Standby Emergency Response Team During Morning Gridlock

Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers said he would ask Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Minister Of Transport to better resource the response to certain incidents.
Thousands Of Workers Could Get Tax Back In Time For Christmas, Says Financial Advisor

People can also claim on GP visits, prescriptions and rent - along with flat rate expenses for certain professions.