Reopening of Dublin 8 public toilets would cost DCC €2 Million

The reopening of disused public toilets on Kevin Street in Dublin 8 would cost Dublin City Council €2 million, according to a response provided to Sinn Féin Councillor Ciarán Ó Meachair.

Under draft design proposals, the former toilets would be converted into a café and completely new toilets would be constructed adjacent to them.

Speaking in response to the figure, Councillor Ó Meachair has questioned the cost;

“Given that the structure is already in place on Kevin Street, and that Dublin City Council have also announced proposals for four other completely new public toilets in the city which are estimated to cost less per unit compared to the Kevin Street site, it does seem like something that could be done much cheaper”.

“Furthermore, the council seem to have proposed to turn the old toilets into a café and to construct brand new toilets on site. This isn’t what people are asking for at all. There are several cafés less than a hundred metres from the site already. We are asking for more public toilets, not more cafés”.

The response from Dublin City Council read “the estimated cost of works is €2m excluding fees & VAT. The higher cost reflects the designation the historic toilet block as a protected structure and underground with the need for careful conservation.”

Ó Meachair said, “I have asked for a breakdown on the €2 million and clarification from the council as to why they are including a café, which appears to only add to the expense of this public facility”.

“The lack of public toilets in Dublin is something often highlighted by locals and visitors alike, and our council needs to do a much better job in providing more of them”.