Council reluctant to extend hours for Lough Ennell toilets

Westmeath County Council has signalled reluctance to extend the opening period of public toilets at Tudenham, Lough Ennell, despite renewed calls for it to operate beyond the summer season.

The issue was raised by Cllr Ken Glynn at the May meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad, where he urged the local authority to recognise that the area has become a year-round destination following investment in walking trails and amenities.

Cllr Glynn said it “makes no sense” that the toilets are only open for a limited period when the area is used throughout the year. “When we put that forest park in this place, we made it an all-year-round facility.”

The district office confirmed that the toilets reopened at the beginning of May, earlier than in previous years, but indicated there were no plans to significantly extend the service because of staff and funding pressures.

Senior executive officer Mary Goldsberry told the meeting the toilets are operated by a seasonal worker employed during the busy period and said extending the service would cost approximately €20,000 extra annually.

“It’s down to funding,” she said, adding that the council would have to consider whether the level of usage outside the peak season.

Cllr Glynn pressed officials to at least consider a trial extension of opening hours to gauge demand. “I think it should be tried,” he said. “If you come back and tell me it’s not working, or there’s no need for the service there, then that’s fine.”

Ms Goldsberry warned that even a trial would be difficult because of existing contractual arrangements and the absence of funding. “It’s difficult, because you don’t have the funding to do it,” she said, adding that the current staff member works contracted hours.

While she agreed that a request could be submitted for consideration, officials made clear that no extension is planned unless additional funding can be secured or a permanent staffing arrangement introduced.