PUBLIC TOILETS IN IRELAND AND ELSEWHERE
In 2021 I came across the following by Councillor Ray McAdam: Dublin City Council is contacting the Office of Public Works to establish what the long-term plans are for the unused public toilets along Infirmary Road beside the 46 Dublin Bus stop. Dublin City Council is contacting the Office of Public Works to establish what the long-term plans are for the unused public toilets along Infirmary Road beside the 46 Dublin Bus stop.
Dublin City Council is contacting the Office of Public Works to establish what the long-term plans are for the unused public toilets along Infirmary Road beside the 46 Dublin Bus stop. Dublin City Council is contacting the Office of Public Works to establish what the long-term plans are for the unused public toilets along Infirmary Road beside the 46 Dublin Bus stop.
When I was young there were many available and my grandmother had a mental map of them all because she was concerned that I might have a urgent need to visit the "bathroom" ... as a child I did not like them because thy were dirty and smelly and in general unpleasant.
The decline of public toilets in Dublin, and indeed across Ireland, is a tale of neglect, changing social attitudes, and shifting priorities. Once a common sight on city streets and in public parks, these facilities have become increasingly scarce. This decline has not gone unnoticed, with figures like Councillor Ray McAdam highlighting the issue and its impact on residents and visitors alike.
In the past, public toilets, while often not the most pleasant of places, served a vital function. They were essential for the elderly, people with medical conditions, parents with young children, and anyone caught short when out and about. However, over time, many of these facilities have been closed down due to factors such as budget cuts, vandalism, and concerns about anti-social behaviour.
The closure of public toilets has had a significant impact on the quality of life in Dublin. The lack of accessible facilities can be particularly difficult for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with disabilities. It can also discourage people from spending time outdoors, as they worry about where they might go if they need to use the bathroom.
Compared to Britain and mainland Europe, Ireland's provision of public toilets lags behind. In many European cities, public toilets are well-maintained and easily accessible, often with modern facilities and even attendants. In Britain, while the number of public toilets has also declined, there are still more available than in Ireland, and initiatives like the Community Toilet Scheme encourage businesses to open their toilets to the public.
The decline of public toilets in Ireland reflects a wider trend of disinvestment in public infrastructure. While the reasons for this decline are complex, the consequences are clear. The lack of public toilets is a public health issue, a social justice issue, and a detriment to the overall quality of life in Dublin.
As for my personal experience, it's understandable that I have unpleasant memories of public toilets from my childhood. Unfortunately, this is a common experience, and one that has contributed to the negative perception of these facilities. However, it's important to remember that well-maintained and accessible public toilets are not a luxury, but a necessity for a healthy and inclusive city.
Dublin City Council is contacting the Office of Public Works to establish what the long-term plans are for the unused public toilets along Infirmary Road beside the 46 Dublin Bus stop. Dublin City Council is contacting the Office of Public Works to establish what the long-term plans are for the unused public toilets along Infirmary Road beside the 46 Dublin Bus stop.
When I was young there were many available and my grandmother had a mental map of them all because she was concerned that I might have a urgent need to visit the "bathroom" ... as a child I did not like them because thy were dirty and smelly and in general unpleasant.
The decline of public toilets in Dublin, and indeed across Ireland, is a tale of neglect, changing social attitudes, and shifting priorities. Once a common sight on city streets and in public parks, these facilities have become increasingly scarce. This decline has not gone unnoticed, with figures like Councillor Ray McAdam highlighting the issue and its impact on residents and visitors alike.
In the past, public toilets, while often not the most pleasant of places, served a vital function. They were essential for the elderly, people with medical conditions, parents with young children, and anyone caught short when out and about. However, over time, many of these facilities have been closed down due to factors such as budget cuts, vandalism, and concerns about anti-social behaviour.
The closure of public toilets has had a significant impact on the quality of life in Dublin. The lack of accessible facilities can be particularly difficult for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with disabilities. It can also discourage people from spending time outdoors, as they worry about where they might go if they need to use the bathroom.
Compared to Britain and mainland Europe, Ireland's provision of public toilets lags behind. In many European cities, public toilets are well-maintained and easily accessible, often with modern facilities and even attendants. In Britain, while the number of public toilets has also declined, there are still more available than in Ireland, and initiatives like the Community Toilet Scheme encourage businesses to open their toilets to the public.
The decline of public toilets in Ireland reflects a wider trend of disinvestment in public infrastructure. While the reasons for this decline are complex, the consequences are clear. The lack of public toilets is a public health issue, a social justice issue, and a detriment to the overall quality of life in Dublin.
As for my personal experience, it's understandable that I have unpleasant memories of public toilets from my childhood. Unfortunately, this is a common experience, and one that has contributed to the negative perception of these facilities. However, it's important to remember that well-maintained and accessible public toilets are not a luxury, but a necessity for a healthy and inclusive city.
PUBLIC TOILETS IN IRELAND AND ELSEWHERE