Friends of Rossnowlagh says there is renewed urgency for permanent toilets

Community group the Friends of Rossnowlagh has welcomed councillors’ raising concerns about overflowing portaloos, but is calling for urgent action from Donegal County Council.

At the April meeting of the Municipal District (MD) of Donegal, a number of councillors reported that the portaloos in the main car park had overflowed due to the sewer being blocked.

Friends of Rossnowlagh has issued a statement saying: “Renewed urgency for permanent public toilets in Rossnowlagh became evident over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend when the inadequacy of the current facilities again became apparent when the toilets were blocked, dirty and not fit to be used. 

“The issue came to a head when public sewage was overflowing through the Council Car Park. This follows two weekends in January when the existing plumbed-in Portaloos beside the local Surf Club were overflowing.

“At recent County Council meetings, all local councillors have expressed that they would support the issue of public toilets being adequately addressed. While this is positive and there is a commitment to further action, it still remains unclear if or when a solution will be achieved.”

The group says that the council has committed the Environment section to look at how they can fund adequate purpose-built public toilets. 

“Until we hear progress in terms of action on this element Rossnowlagh is still really not any further forward on the issue,” the statement continued. 

“Questions have been raised about who is going to maintain the toilets. But this is an issue currently. The council needs to ensure that Gortlee who currently have the maintenance contract are cleaning them to a decent standard. 

“The frequency of cleaning also needs to be increased.”

The Friends of Rossnowlagh is in the process of putting a call out for local people who may be eligible for employment under a community support scheme to come forward and assist with the maintenance of Rossnowlagh.

The group says that further investment is needed in the Infrastructure of Rossnowlagh.

“Rossnowlagh is busy year-round,” said the spokesperson.

“The latest census statistics show that the resident population in Rossnowlagh has grown by 18%. This does not include any of the tourists either those who have holiday homes, or seasonal caravans, or those who come on trips to the area who all also make an investment into Rossnowlagh and Donegal when they visit. 

“Business is also growing in Rossnowlagh, and we need to support and sustain this growth.

“The Friends of Rossnowlagh appreciates the engagement that we have got from all parties on this issue and is continuing to work with local representatives and county council officials towards a solution.”