A Dublin senator is calling for 'eco-toilets' to be introduced in the Phoenix Park in busy spots to make the park "more accessible and welcoming."
Fine Gael Senator Emer Currie told the Seanad on Wednesday that there is a need for more toilets as the only permanent toilets are located within the main tourist attractions. She added that the introduction of portaloos on a pilot basis is a "step in the right direction" but that more needs to be done in terms of toilet facilities in certain areas.
Sen Currie said that eco-toilets don’t need water supply or wastewater infrastructure, as they use a composting system. She told the Seanad on Wednesday: "I believe the Phoenix Park can, and should, be accessible and inclusive for all. The current commentary from the OPW is about how the popularity of the park is unsustainable, and the numbers have to be controlled."
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Sen Currie noted that while there are toilet facilities in Phoenix Park visitors centre and the tea rooms in Farmleigh House, these facilities may not be suitable to for everyone.
She told Dublin Live: "Access to toilets would give peace of mind to a lot of walkers, cyclists and families. Anytime I have raised this issue with the OPW, access to water supply is given as the barrier to better toilet infrastructure, but I believe there is now a solution that should be considered."
Sen Currie said that eco-toilets have recently been installed in parts of Dublin 15 by Fingal County Council, and that the Phoenix Park should follow suit. "They’ve no requirement for water supply, wastewater connection or power.
"The light is run by solar and the toilets operate on a composting basis. They are basic and have no running water, but they are suitable for places that are remote yet have requirement for a toilet - like lots of locations in the Park. They look the part, clad in cedar and could be cost effective too."
Sen Currie said that she hopes the OPW will consider rolling out the eco-toilets strategic positions in the Park, like near the Papal Cross. "I really hope this could be a new solution to a very old problem in the Park – which is to invest in full toilet facilities and changing places where possible, supplemented by standalone eco-toilets in the more popular but remote areas.
"This would definitely make the Park a more welcoming place." In the Seanad on Wednesday, Minister Ossian Smyth confirmed that he would he would bring the idea of eco-toilets to Minister Patrick O’Donovan for consideration.
Mr Smyth added that new toilet facilities will also be provided at the Magazine Fort during its restoration. An assessment is also currently ongoing of the old toilet block in the People’s Gardens that was destroyed in a fire.
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