A Donegal County Councillor has criticised the council for not providing portable toilets at Tra na Rossan beach in Downings.
Cllr John O’Donnell put forward a motion on the issue at this month’s council meeting, but the response, he said was “a bit watery”.
The council had said their public conveniences are focused at Tra Beg Blue Flag beach, while seasonal portable toilets are also provided at the adjacent pier and Tra Mor beach. They said they will continue to focus on designated bathing areas where water quality and water safety measures are in place.
Cllr O’Donnell, unhappy with the response, asked the executive to look at the matter again.
“If you were to walk from Tra Na Rossan to Tra Beag, it’s more than a toilet you would need, you would need one good drink as well,” he said.
“Tra na Rossan is one of the most iconic and most photographed beaches in Donegal.
“It’s a very well-attended beach but in the summer period there is no facilities and amenities there. Obviously you have people going there with young small children and adults, and they need to use the toilet.”
Cllr O’Donnell suggested that two toilets – one for people with disabilities and another unisex toilet – would be a cost-effective way to tackle all the problems that is arising at the beach.
“I think it is something that, for a small cost, we shouldn’t ignore the fact that it’s being called for,” he said.
Featured image: Chris Hill Photographic, Tourism Ireland
