A BUNCRANA supermarket
is to receive advertising on a prominent local
roundabout in return for providing public toilet
facilities to the town.
SuperValu has agreed the arrangement with Buncrana
Town Council which currently cannot afford to build
and maintain public lavatories.
The deal has been welcomed by Sinn Féin councillor
Daren Lalor who has lobbied for public toilets for
some years saying they are vital, particularly for
tourists.
"The lack of public toilets has been an issue in
Buncrana for many years. Like previous councillors
before me I have raised the issue of providing
public toilets on or near the main street," said
Cllr Lalor.
"I am pleased we have finally found an interim
measure. For sponsorship of the roundabout,
SuperValu will now provide public toilets
facilities. These facilities, although in a small
way, will enhance our tourist potential. We now have
a facility where tourist coaches will be able to
park up and this has the potential to benefit the
entire town."
Cllr Lalor said providing and maintaining public
toilets was challenging for many towns across
Ireland.
"There is the initial cost of construction and
maintenance and unfortunately there is the cost
factor of vandalism to consider. So with the present
economic climate, I believe Buncrana Town Council
has achieved value for money."
The local town councillor said some local traders
wanted to see the construction of public toilets at
the old fire station Cockhill Road.
"While I personally have no objection to this
proposal, the reality at present makes this proposal
unrealistic on a number of fronts. It is currently
used to occupy Town Council employees and serves a
number of valuable functions, so finding alternative
premises will naturally come at a cost. We also have
a Government recruitment freeze at present so either
employing or increasing the workload of an employee
will be challenged."
Cllr Lalor said the Buncrana councillors ringfenced
an extra €20,000 at budget time, to be used for the
promotion of the town.
"Having had discussions with the town engineer the
above figure unfortunately would fall well short in
delivering and maintaining state of the art public
toilets on this site, not to mention the pressure it
would place on having to increase commercial rates
to subsidise it.
"So, while I understand some traders' concerns, I
believe we should use the allocated €20,000 to
encourage coach tourists to stay in our beautiful
town," he added. |
