Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave pledges €50,000 for toilets at Rossnowlagh
The tech entrepreneur lives in Rossnowlagh with his family, and is prepared to provide the funds for the betterment of the area
A solution to the deeply unpleasant problem of overflowing temporary toilets at popular Rossnowlagh could be in sight, thanks to a generous offer from Web Summit founder Paddy Cosgrave.
Mr Cosgrave this week announced his intentions to work with Donegal County Council to come up with a full and proper solution. The first step is his donation of €50,000.
He said: “Ireland is one of the richest countries in the world. Yet somehow Rossnowlagh Beach, one of the busiest beaches in Ireland, has no public toilets.”
While this issue has been ongoing since the original public toilets were removed during car park improvements some decades ago, it has been particularly unsavoury during this summer’s hot weather. The heatwave coincided with the traditionally busy ‘12th of July’ holiday period, bringing thousands of visitors from south Donegal and Northern Ireland to the stunning Blue Flag beach.
It is well documented that the portable toilets are totally inadequate to deal with typical visitor numbers. The added influx combined with the hot weather has left the toilet area in a stink.
Residents, visitors, community groups and local representatives have been petitioning for the provision of toilets for years.
Referring to the ‘scattering of often filthy’ portable toilets, Mr Cosgrave said: “The smell and constant overflow of raw sewage is a horrific stain on one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland.
“Rossnowlagh is now my home, and I want to help change the disgraceful toilet situation. I am committing €50,000 towards the construction of permanent public toilets this winter in Rossnowlagh public car park.
“I also know several locals who are prepared to help with the build.
“I hope with this donation that this winter public toilets will finally be constructed in Rossnowlagh public car park, and that they will be open for the summer of 2027.
“I will share more in the coming days when I have spoken to more people and to local councillors. Feel free to reach out.”
Mr Cosgrave is married to local woman and model, Faye Dinsmore who is one of the founders of Rossnowlagh Farmers Market. The couple purchased Coolmore Manor House, Rossnowlagh, in late 2022 and live there with their children.
Meanwhile, a community group in Rossnowlagh is appealing people to get behind its ongoing campaign for the provision of toilets.
Friends of Rossnowlagh is asking that people email Donegal County Council to highlight the issue.
In a Facebook post, a Friends of Rossnowlagh spokesperson said: “We know many people are frustrated by the lack of proper public toilets. We understand. Rossnowlagh deserves better.
“Public toilets are a Donegal County Council responsibility.”
While it was acknowledged that the local authority provides and maintains portable toilets, the spokesperson said: “A better long-term solution is needed.
“Friends of Rossnowlagh has raised this issue many times over the past 10 years. We are continuing to work on it and are now exploring another possible way forward.
“We will share more when we have something firm to report.
“We would really value your support. Please contact Donegal County Council and tell them Rossnowlagh needs a proper long-term solution.
“Public contact helps show the strength of feeling and keeps this important issue firmly on the agenda.”
Friends of Rossnowlagh asks people to email their concerns and support to [email protected]