Updated Donegal Town public toilets praised, but cleaning concerns expressed

Councillors of Donegal Municipal District praised the updating of Donegal Town’s public toilets as a “great job” but expressed questions on maintenance concerns. 

At March’s Donegal MD meeting, Cllr Noel Jordan and Cllr Michael McMahon spoke to Paul Gallagher of Donegal County Council’s Environment Section.

The updated toilets are located in Donegal Town car park, near the Aldi Supermarket. 

A public inconvenience update from the Environment report at the meeting read: “A much-needed refurbishment and upgrade project has recently been completed at Donegal Town Public Convenience. Brady Construction were awarded the contract, and the works have been completed to a very high standard.

“Works undertaken include: roof repairs and installation of next Velux windows; replacement of facia, gutters and downpipes; new window vents; ceilings retiled; new sanitaryware (toilets/basins/urinals) throughout; doors replaced throughout; new soap dispensers and hand driers; and complete rewiring.”

Cllr Jordan said: “After spending quite a bit of money, the job looks brilliant. 

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“We have talked about who is going to maintain the toilets going forward. We need to see it, especially after spending a huge investment, and a great job. It is great to see it happen, but we need to put a plan in place.”

Cllr McMahon stated: “Regarding public toilets, unless you have a person going in morning and evening, there will be a problem with cleaning, and it will cost you more in the long term, because it will get blocked and you will have to get someone in to unblock them.

In response, Gallagher replied: “We have a model where we have private providers for some locations and community groups for others. It depends on the circumstances of where they are located, but the one in Donegal Town should be cleaned on a daily basis.”