'Toilet facilities are needed at Machaire Rabhartaigh pier all year around'
A small ferry boat to deliver supplies to small islands, toilets at Machaire Rabhartaigh pier, a winch for Tory Island, an area to paint boats and shelters were asked for at a meeting on Tuesday
Toilet facilities are needed in Machaire Rabhartaigh on a year-round basis because the area is used by surfers, rowers, fisher people, tourists, walkers and people traveling to and from the islands, a meeting of Coiste na n-Oileán heard on Tuesday.
Bainisteoir Chomharchumann Oileán Thoraigh, Marjorie Uí Chearbhaill, said a lot of people are using the area and that there are no toilet facilities in the area, at the moment.
A shelter facility in the area would also be welcomed, she said.
A master plan for the future of the Machaire Rabhartaigh area is to be discussed by all stakeholders in the near future. However, council officials were told that the issue relating to toilet facilities needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Ms Uí Chearbhaill added that the toilet facilities are more than on a seasonal basis.
The pier is used by 4 ferry boats to bring people in and out to the islands, she said.
Independent Councillor Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig agreed that something had to be done to address the issue relating to toilets.
Cathaoirleach of the Glenties Municipal District, Cllr Michael McClafferty also agreed, saying funding should not be an issue adding that the matter could be addressed in Lifford, in the future.
She also asked that the relevant department for the Tory Island Sea wall be identified as works need to be carried out on it. She also asked that a winch be put in place for boats on Tory Island saying there had been one there years ago. She thanked the council for all the work carried out on the playground on the island.
Other matters that were brought to the attention of council officials in relation to islands included pier ownership, a small ferry needed to bring supplies out to the islands, the feasibility of a walking tour on Rutland and ring buoys, lights and ladders on piers.
Islander Eddie McGee asked if an area for painting boats may be made available for islanders.
Independent Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuic asked once again that a study which would assess the impact of tourism be carried out.
“Be careful what you wish for,” he said,adding that there were areas in Europe where people weren’t overly welcoming towards tourists.