Providers of ‘absolutely disgusting’ public portaloos criticised

Cllr Niamh Kennedy criticised service providers of public portaloos for the “absolutely disgusting” public conveniences on Donegal’s beaches.

The Killybegs-based councillor said in September’s Donegal Municipal District meeting that the public portaloos were not being serviced, despite the service providers saying they were.

A motion brought forward by Cllr Kennedy to the meeting read: “That this MD take a serious look at the provision of public conveniences at beaches, towns, piers and harbours for the next season ahead. That a proper consultation takes place with the councillors as to locations, how many at each location, and which department within the council allocates funding.

“The conditions of these facilities and the regular cleaning and maintenance must be prompt, and the provider to be held accountable for an unsatisfactory service.”

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Speaking at the meeting at Donegal Public Services Centre, Cllr Kennedy stated: “We are talking about the lack of public conveniences and the poor quality of them. We do get complaints, and the fact that the contractor who delivers the toilets does not service them as much as he should. The staff are noticing that themselves.

“People at the beach are complaining about the odours. They are absolutely disgusting, and that is the truth. We are promoting tourism, but unfortunately, our public inconveniences are an absolute shambles. 

“There is money going towards different areas, but either there is not enough, or these shambles of portaloos are not fit for purpose.”

Service providers, said Cllr Kennedy, were “saying they are servicing them, and it is just not happening.” 

“We need to be getting our act together. The community will also be looking to help if they are given that hand. Look at the work of Tidy Towns all over the place. There is no reason why we should not have a better standard of public conveniences than we have.”

An official response by the Donegal County Council said that it was “currently conducting a review of its public convenience facilities, with the aim of developing a prioritised list of potential upgrades and improvements.

“The council is also seeking additional staff to assist with the provision and maintenance of public conveniences in the county.

“It is intended that the proposed programme of works will be presented at the next meeting of the Environment and Climate Action Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), and this can be followed by a dedicated workshop with members of the Donegal Municipal District.”

Responding directly to councillors’ comments on the motion, Garry Martin, Director of Economic Development, Emergency Services and Information Systems, said: “All the issues that have been raised will come back to the management team. 

“It is a big issue and challenge, and there is an expectation that there is a substantially greater amount of money that is needed to do it to the standard needed.”