Upkeep of public toilets in Waterford proving increasingly difficult

There is "significant pressure" in maintaining public toilets across Waterford city and county.

The toilets across the county are operated and managed by various contractors, community groups and the council, meaning there is currently no common maintenance policy in place.

Local councillor John Hearne raised the issue last week, saying that the problems are exacerbated during the summer months.

“Every year it’s the same," he said, “we don’t know who the keyholders are, who has the say, who minds them or who funds them."

Cllr Hearne enquired of senior council executives as to whether a common policy could be put in place so that “everybody knows exactly where everything stands.“ 

Responding to the query, Waterford City and County Council Director of Services Gabriel Hynes, said that staff and communities are working hard to maintain public toilets, however during the summer months it’s no easy task.

“Across the city and county we’ve had significant operational differences. Some of the toilets are operated by contractors, some of them by community groups, and some maintained by our own council staff. This time of year they come under significant pressure.

“They could go out in the morning and have the toilets in a very good condition, and after an hour or two there could be significant issues.” 

Mr. Hynes added that a “complete review” is due to commence over the next “couple of months” to consider a programme going forward.

“I want to acknowledge the work that is being done,” he added.

“It’s important to realise that conditions in public toilets can change drastically in under a half an hour. 

“We are doing everything to ensure we keep them in a good condition during the summer."