Council criticised over work to upgrade Newcastle toilets

Council criticised over work to upgrade Newcastle toilets

21 August 2024

NEWRY, Mourne and Down Council has been criticised for closing three public toilet blocks in Newcastle at the height of the tourist season.

Toilets at the Downs Road, Donard Park and adjacent to the Newcastle Centre have been closed since last month to allow work on a £440,000 upgrade to be completed.

But the timing of the improvement work has been questioned.

The local authority – which said it appreciates the patience of residents and visitors during the closure –  has installed temporary toilets at the Downs Road and Donard Park.

However, a number of people are questioning why the work was not delayed until the end of the resort’s busy summer season.

One woman who contacted the Recorder said while she rarely took time to complain about services run by the local council, a recent visit to Newcastle had forced her hand.

The woman said the council’s website states that due to planned works for the replacement and refurbishment of three public toilet blocks, those at the Downs Road are currently not suitable for use. 

“Facilities located at Central Promenade and Donard Park have been closed since July 22 and while those at Castle Park, the Islands Park and South Promenade are open, if someone with a disability, bowel or kidney condition is in the town centre and need a toilet, these blocks are not in any way convenient or quick to get to,” she said.

“There is one toilet in the Newcastle Centre but it is of little value due to being both unisex and less-abled friendly, causing it to be in high demand.”

The woman said while council staff who keep the toilets clean “do an absolutely fantastic job”, they were struggling to maintain their high standards due to the large volume of visitors having fewer facilities to use. 

She asked why the decision was made to close three toilet blocks at the same time at the height of the summer when Newcastle is full of people who will inevitably need to use a toilet.

A council spokeswoman confirmed temporary public toilets have been provided at both Downs Road and Donard Park.

She explained that as the organisation works to enhance public toilet provision in Newcastle, it  appreciates the patience of visitors and residents.

“This significant investment will bring the facilities up to modern standards and the programme of works is scheduled for completion by September, ahead of the prestigious Amgen Irish Open at the Royal County Down Golf Club,” she said.

“The upgrade of our facilities will see the toilet block at Central Promenade being completely replaced with two unisex toilets and one disabled toilet.

“The Donard Park toilet block will be transformed to include four unisex toilets and one disabled toilet, ensuring enhanced convenience and accessibility for all visitors.”

The spokeswoman explained the Downs Road toilet block will also be refurbished and a new fully accessible changing places toilet facility installed at the site. 

She said the toilets at Castle Park, Islands Park and South Promenade will be open between 8am and 10pm for the remainder of the summer.