Mall public toilets to be demolished
2 October 1996
Castlebar Urban Council have agreed to demolish the town's greatest eyesore. . .the public toilets at the Mall.
Members adopted a motion, by four votes to three, to begin the task of removing the facility and proceed with plans for the construction of new facilities in another and more appropriate site. Mr. Eoin Garavan, chairman, who tabled the motion, said the image of the Mall as the town's showpiece was not enhanced by the condition of the public toilets at the location.
The only way the toilets could be maintained properly was by the appointment of a full-time caretaker, but the council was not in a position to make such an appointment.
"The Mall is a very unique place. It would be good for the area if the toilets were demolished."
Mr. Johnny Mee said Irish people in general had no respect for public toilets. "No matter where it is located in Castlebar, it will not be respected by the public. Bad as it is, we should leave the existing facility where it is."
Senator Paddy Burke said he was in favour of demolishing the toilets. They did not present a good image for the town.
Mr. Paddy McGuinness seconded Mr. Garavan's motion. "A previous council must have agreed to put the toilets there. But I don't think the site was ever an appropriate one. We should not delay any longer in having them removed."
Mr. McGuinness made the point it was great pity the previous council could not agreed to the installation of a Super Loo a number of years ago.
Mr. Blackie Gavin believed the facility should be left in place. "No matter where a public toilet is located, we will have the same problems."
Mr. Liam Coady said he had no objection to the motion. "A lot of young people use the public toilet at the Mall. But it is quite clear there are not educated about how to use it."
Mr. John Condon, town clerk, said the council carried out a survey a number of years ago in relation to finding a more appropriate site for a public toilet, but they failed to come up with a suitable site.
He said in installation of a Super Loo would cost £60,000 to purchase and would involve double the maintenance costs of the existing structure.
In regard to demolishing the toilets at the Mall, he said money was in place to carry out the work.
The matter was put to a vote with Councillors Garavan, Burke, Ainsworth and McGuinness in favour, and Councillors Gavin, Mee and Coady against.
Work on demolishing the public toilets is expected to start shortly.
Connaught Telegraph - News - October 1996
Connaught Telegraph - Sport - October 1996
