How much Tipperary’s €250,000 toilet revamp will cost — and why it’ll be cheaper than expected
The revamp of a public toilet block in Tipperary is expected to cost significantly less than the €250,000 originally allocated.
€250,000 was allocated to Tipperary County Council from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to revamp the block of public toilets in the Market Yard in Tipperary town last year, with works getting underway last week.
The funding is for the refurbishment and provision of universal access including mother and baby facilities at the public toilets in Market Yard, including a changing places facility for those with disabilities, as well as adding a bike rack, and a water refill machine.
Over the weekend, the Irish Independent reported how there was significant public outrage at the cost of the toilets, with many questioning whether the money would be better spent elsewhere in the town.
However, figures given to the Irish Independent suggest the final cost will be much lower.
Michael Begley, manager of the Tipperary Town Revitalisation Task Force, said that the works involve a significant amount of demolition, but that the contract value for the project is in the region of €170,000.
“The project involves the demolition of internal walls within the existing public toilet building, construction of new foundations and concrete block walls, construction of new door openings as designed, installation of accessible toilet doors with contactless payment, alterations and replacement of all services, the supply and installation of all equipment and services,” Mr Begley said.
The allocation of €250,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a maximum figure, Mr Begley said.
Demolition work is estimated to cost €15,000, while the construction works are estimated to come in at a cost of €45,000.
The most expensive element of the project will be the fit out of the new facility, estimated to cost €88,000, with external works costing €22,000.
“We do not expect this sum to increase significantly but we still have to expose and examine underground services that may require some additional works,” Mr Begley said.
Changing places facilities are specialised accessible toilets designed to provide adequate space for individuals with severe disabilities.
"The state-of-the-art changing places facility will include a room coverage ceiling hoist system, a height-adjustable adult sized changing bench, a powered height adjustable wash basin, centrally located toilet to allow for assistance or transfer on both sides and a privacy screen,” Mr Begley explained.
Sinn Féin councillor for Tipperary town Annemarie Ryan said that councillors are aware of the cost pressures on households, and have requested that costs on the project are kept as low as possible.
“All the councillors are very conscious of costs of this project and we've asked that we come in under budget and keep it as tight as possible; while also delivering high quality upgraded facilities for the town,” she said.
"We are in the midst of a cost of living and housing crisis and I get how people look at this and wonder at the costs. But while the funding is there specifically for this project in Tipperary town, we should use it to benefit the town,” she added.
It is expected that the facility will open in January 2026, with a 40c charge to use the facilities, which will go towards the upkeep and maintenance of the toilets.