This article is from page 16 of the 2011-06-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
THERE have been calls for Ennis Town Council to seek a more cost effective way of providing public toilet facilities after it emerged that costs for 2010 stood at almost € 70,000.
Figures contained in the Council’s annual financial statement show that the so-called “super loos” generated just over € 3,000 in income.
Cllr Brian Meaney (GP) told the June meeting of Ennis Town Council, that the scheme has “obviously not been flush with success”. He questioned whether or not the Council should continue with this level of expenditure.
Cllr Peter Considine (FF) said that while the cost of running the toilets “looks enormous”, they represent a better option than larger public toilet units. “It is value for money,” he said.
Cllr Paul O’Shea (Lab) said it was “essential” that public toilets are available in Ennis in light of the town’s bid to host the 2012 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. However he asked if the Council could “get better value”.
Town Manager Ger Dollard said it was his experience that public toilet buildings were “fairly poor facilities” that were expensive to operate.
He said toilets provoked “constant complaints” and caused hygiene problems. “The super-loo arrangement does represent value for money,” he added.