Call to open toilets at two Mayo beaches this bank holiday weekend

THE toilet facilities at Keem and Keel beaches in Achill need to be open to the public this bank holiday weekend.

Local Councillor Paul McNamara told council management that as we approach the first days of spring, it is important that they are open from the February bank holiday going forward.

Keem beach recently made headlines when named in the Top 100 to visit on Lonely Planet, having enjoyed major success last year as a result of the Banshees of Inisherin.

It is great getting awards but if the proper basic infrastructure isn't there, it's not a very good advertisement for it, noted Councillor McNamara at a municipal district meeting yesterday (Monday).

Toilets are the most important amenity but they are closed, and he requested that the facilities in Keem and also Keel be opened from the weekend until the end of the tourist season.

Councillor Christy Hyland supported his call, noting that people are now using the beaches 365 days of the year.

Municipal head Padraig Walsh had some good news on the toilets at Keem. The council has funding to upgrade them and that will be done this year, though unfortunately not in time for the start of the tourist season.

He would, however, talk to the area management about the request for opening the toilets.

Mr. Walsh also told councillors that the development of a site management plan for Keem is at an advanced stage.