Cost of spending a penny in Limerick village close to €40,000 a year

PLANS for a new public bathroom in Bruff have been flushed down the toilet after Limerick councillors learnt the cost.

Cllr PJ Carey put down a motion at a Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District meeting that a suitable location be found and possible funding avenues identified for a public toilet in Bruff, possibly on Crawford Street.

In reply, a council official said the current cost of installation and maintaining an automated public toilet facility is in the order of €40,000 per annum.

“The cost of such a facility would have to be sourced via the existing council budget and, if approved, would result in funding being reallocated from other essential council services such as the maintenance of roads, housing, parts etc,” read the response.

Cllr Carey said he didn’t realise it would be €40,000 a year. “It is expensive,” he said.

Cllr Mike Donegan made the point that there is an automated public toilet in Newcastle West and in the city but none in the Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District.

Cathaoirleach John Egan said he was not in favour of it. “It costs too much,” he commented.

Cllr Ger Mitchell said families and children can be at the play area in Hospital for two or three hours.

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“Where do they go (to the bathroom)? It’s a necessity for families,” said Cllr Mitchell.

Returning to Bruff, Cllr Donegan said the population has gone “way up” with the arrival of Ukrainians.

“Some may not be confident enough to use one of the pubs,” said Cllr Donegan.

Cllr Egan proposed the idea that a toilet in a community building be made available to the public.

Brian Kennedy, director of transport and mobility, said they are not in a position to fund an automated public toilet in Bruff at the moment.

He said if it was a one-off cost they might be able to fund it but it is a “commitment for years”.

The meeting heard the public toilets in Kilmallock have been closed due to issues with the roof. There have been problems with anti-social behaviour.