Why public toilets?

As the weather gets warmer, we're all starting to think about how we can safely enjoy ourselves this summer in Dublin. 

• The Taoiseach recently said that "the theme going forward has to be around the outdoors and that people must avoid congregation indoors".
• Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronan Glynn has said he hopes we can "look forward to a good summer premised on outdoor activities".

But to enjoy the outdoors for more than an hour or two, we need public toilets in Dublin's city centre and parks. Public toilets bring multiple benefits, including improved accessibility for families, people with disabilities and those with medical conditions. 

 

What's the current situation?

Dublin City Council is currently providing two public toilet services at Stephen's Green and Wolfe Tone Square. These facilities are excellent: the staff are friendly and do a great job in operating the service efficiently and keeping the toilets clean.

But the long queues every weekend show how badly more toilets are needed!

And what about our parks? Last summer, thousands of people met up for walks and talks in Dublin's parks and found themselves at a loss when nature called. This can lead to unsightly and damaging public urination. And yet, Dublin City Council's Parks Department said last summer that they had “no plans” to provide additional public toilets. Neither did the OPW for the Phoenix Park.

 

Haven't I heard something about this before?

Yes, you probably have! Many people have been calling for more public toilets over the past year (and long before that), including:

• Councillor Carolyn Moore
• Lord Mayor Hazel Chu
• Councillor Claire Byrne
• Business owner Richard Hanlon
• RTE Brainstorm

As early as June 2020, the Council said it was "acutely aware of this issue” and was “working to come up with a solution.” But only two public toilets have been added since the beginning of the pandemic.

That's why we're calling on Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works and all other relevant stakeholders to redouble and accelerate their efforts to secure more public toilets for Dublin's city centre and parks this summer.

Sign the petition to remind your representatives that the public urgently need these facilities for Fun in the Sun in 2021!