The final configuration of the bus interchange at the Red Cow will include public toilets
Public toilets set for Red Cow Luas stop
PUBLIC toilets are not usually provided at Luas stops due to “potential for misuse” but Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will make an “exception” for the Red Cow as it is a major transport interchange.
The confirmation by the TII to South Dublin County Council last month, arrived on the back of a championing for public toilets in the last few years by Clondalkin Cllr Eoin Ó Broin (SocDems).
In 2021, Ó Broin put down a Motion requesting 14 public toilets across the county, but this was whittled down after much debating, and amendments, to funding of €100,000 for one public toilet.
Ó Broin asked residents on social media for their thoughts, and that is where the Red Cow proposal came in.
“Someone said the Red Cow, but this is not SDCC property, it belongs to TII. I brought a Motion forward to contact them and surprisingly they got back and were in agreement. I wish it was always this easy,” said Cllr Ó Broin.
The Red Cow toilet is separate to the funding that is being provided by the council for a public toilet on a high street.
In a letter to the council, TII said the common approach across public transport is that toilets are only provided within stations.
“Issues regarding the management of cleanliness and the potential for misuse for on street public toilets are generally seen to outweigh the benefits to the public,” said Muireann Walsh Regulatory and Administration Unit, TII.
“However, the Red Cow, as a major transport interchange hub between bus and Luas, is an exception to this approach. The final configuration of the bus interchange will include public toilets and secure bike parking in either lockers or standalone structures and will open in mid to late 2024.”
Meanwhile, a decision on where to locate the new council public toilet has yet to be confirmed.
Having talked to local senior citizen groups and community services in Clondalkin Village, Cllr Ó Broin believes this may be the best place to pilot a public toilet.
“I know it would be dependent on Irish Water agreeing to supply, but it is worth a try,” he said.
