Plan in place for fenced-off public toilet site in Longford town's Market Square

Plans are being made to install bicycle stands in the space formerly occupied by the public toilets in Market Square, the Longford Leader can confirm.

The area, which currently remains fenced-off, was the subject of a recent review which looked at possible uses for the site.

Longford County Council said a number of options had been considered for the space, including its potential use for parking, however bicycle stands were ultimately selected as the preferred option.

According to the council, the installation is intended to provide additional “cycle parking in the town centre and supporting active travel within the town centre.”

The council told The Longford Leader, “The area remains fenced off temporarily while the necessary arrangements are being made. Once the works are completed, the fencing will be removed, and the space will be reopened for public use.”

The removal of the public toilets last September was widely welcomed by public representatives.

During the September meeting of the Longford MD, Cathaoirleach Kevin Hussey described their departure from the square as a positive development for the area.

He told the chamber, “That toilet on the Market Square has been causing problems for years … I only drove by it a number of weeks ago and there was a tent inside it! It's great to see that it's gone.”

Several councillors echoed the praise, describing it as a relief to see the costly problem being removed.

In the same meeting, Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi had asked if the site could accommodate an additional parking space, pointing to the potential to include an EV charging point or another parking space for motorists.

Mr Brady had replied at the time that while he would see if a parking spot was possible, he believed the space may be “a bit tight for the junction there” adding that they would mark it out and see what would work best.

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