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07 Oct 2025
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07 Oct 2025
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There is currently no budget available to install new public toilets in the centre of Abbeyfeale, local councillors have been told | FILE PHOTO
THERE is currently no budget available to install new public toilets in the centre of Abbeyfeale, local councillors have been told.
The information came to light at the October meeting of Newcastle West Municipal District as elected members sought clarity regarding the proposed project.
Ahead of the meeting, Cllr Liam Galvin formally proposed that a public toilet be included in the plans for the development of Riordan’s car park in the town.
In a written reply to the motion, senior executive engineer Donnacha Reynolds said there is a "very significant shortfall" in funding for the Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan as currently envisaged.
He added that the capital cost of installing public toilet infrastructure is in the region of €85,000 and that there is currently no budget allowance for a public toilet within the Abbeyfeale Traffic Management Plan.
Mr Reynolds added that the yearly maintenance cost of running a public toilet is in the region of €25,000 per annum and that this has not been budgeted for.
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Expressing his disappointment at the reply, Cllr Galvin explained that plans which began as a traffic management for the town have now expanded into a broader public realm project.
He argued that the installation of a public toilet should form part of those multi-million-euro traffic management works due to start in Abbeyfeale in the coming months.
Cllr Francis Foley highlighted that there had always been public toilet facilities in Abbeyfeale but that they were lost during previous roadworks and stressed the town centre has been left without proper facilities since.
Cllr Foley noted that while a public toilet does exist in the town park, it is not accessible for people in the town centre. “Only for the local hotel and other businesses, there would be no access to toilets in the town,” he said.
It was pointed out that some of those who use the toilet facilities of local businesses do not spend money with them.
Councillors agreed that the issue of public toilets in Abbeyfeale is to be discussed again at their next meeting.
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