New £440k toilets for Newcastle

New £440k toilets for Newcastle

18 September 2024

WORK has been completed on a £400,000 investment programme upgrading public toilets in Newcastle.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council has just completed the work as part of its public convenience strategy designed to enhance the quality and accessibility of toilet provision for both locals and visitors alike.  

The upgrade of facilities resulted in the installation of a new toilet block at Central Promenade which now features two unisex toilets and one disabled toilet, whilst the Donard Park toilet block has been transformed to include four unisex toilets and one disabled toilet, ensuring enhanced convenience and accessibility for all visitors. 

The Downs Road toilet block has been completely refurbished and now includes a new fully accessible changing places toilet facility for people with a range of mobility issues.

Local authority officials have been working closely with the Mae Murray Foundation on the various upgrades to ensure the facilities are accessible and inclusive for everyone. 

The Foundation is dedicated to breaking down unnecessary barriers, enabling people of all ages and abilities to participate equally in society.

Council chairman, Pete Byrne, said having a changing places toilet in the centre of Newcastle will make such a difference to people with disabilities and incontinence support needs.

“It will ensure disabled people can enjoy what the town has to offer late into the evenings, knowing there are toilet facilities available to meet their needs,” he said.

“We know this will have such a positive impact on the people we support and open up so many more opportunities for them in the local community.”

The opening hours for all public toilet facilities in Newcastle this month are 8am to 8pm with an earlier closure time of 4pm from October onwards.