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

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: