Calls to include public toilet in Limerick town’s 'Rolls Royce' redevelopment plan

A PUBLIC toilet could finally be on the way for Abbeyfeale, after years of calls for the installation of basic facilities in the busy west Limerick town. 

At the November meeting of the Newcastle West Municipal District, councillors renewed pressure to have the amenity included in Abbeyfeale’s new traffic management plan.

Cllr Liam Galvin said he has pushed for the facility since being elected in 2004 and called it “a basic need that’s long overdue.” He said the toilet should form part of the overall redevelopment, adding: “We’re doing a Rolls Royce job on Abbeyfeale, the public toilet must be included.”

Cllr Galvin noted that with many local pubs and restaurants now closed, the town no longer has public facilities available. “Newcastle West has one, Listowel has one, Castleisland has one, but Abbeyfeale still hasn’t,” he said.

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Cllr Francis Foley echoed his comments, saying a toilet should be installed beside the new car park currently under development. “We can’t keep expecting local businesses to provide toilets,” he said.

Cllr Foley confirmed that €45,000 was previously allocated toward the project but admitted more funding will be needed to complete it.

Cllr John Sheahan wryly remarked that “€45,000 wouldn’t buy the front door of a public toilet,” questioning where the remaining funds will come from.

Cllr Galvin clarified that the "€45,000" is only a donation from local government and that more funding will be required".

Councillors agreed that the facility is essential, particularly with the steady flow of traffic passing through Abbeyfeale on the N21 to Kerry.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme