Another town in Wicklow is planning to install new accessible toilets

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Officials within the Greystones Municipal District are to consider installing accessible toilets for people living with disabilities and complex care needs.

The move comes after Independent Cllr Orla Finn brought forward a motion before her district colleagues at their September monthly meeting, which was unopposed and received unanimous support.

Cllr Finn is calling for the facilities as she believes the toilets are essential for promoting social inclusion and independence.

“Without them many people face isolation, inconvenience, and even health risks, which hinders their ability to enjoy everyday activities.

“These facilities should provide the necessary space, equipment, and safety features, such as hoists and changing benches, to enable safe and dignified personal care for a wider range of individuals who cannot use standard accessible toilets.”

Cllr Lourda Scott pledged her support for the motion and suggested seeking other forms of funding, as the budget for such a project would far exceed what the district’s discretionary funds would allow.

District officials have pledged to explore how the project could be funded and progressed and suggested it could form part of a wider strategy to make the town more accessible.

Plans are in the pipeline to install more of these facilities across the county.

A new facility at the Arklow Primary Health Centre recently registered with Changing Places Ireland - whose mission is to introduce fully accessible toilets to shopping centres, libraries and sporting arenas across the country – with a second unregistered Wicklow facility located at Beyond the Trees Avondale.

It’s estimated that there are currently only 19 changing places toilets in Ireland.

As a result of regulations introduced in 2022, as many as 80 changing places toilets could be provided nationwide over the next decade, in buildings or locations such as shopping centres, museums, galleries, cinemas, hotels, roadside service stations and heritage sites.