Public toilets in Mayo's Marian village branded 'disgraceful'

PUBLIC toilet facilities in Knock village have been described as 'disgraceful'.

Their condition has been the subject of complaints at the height of the pilgrimage season, with thousands of people descending on the village.

Raising the matter at a municipal district meeting today, Councillor Richard Finn described how the facilities had gone to a 'new level' about two weeks ago.

He had received a complaint from a bus driver from Donegal - there was no toilet paper or door locks, and 'everything filthy'.

A few years ago there were complaints about the toilets at Croagh Patrick, said Councillor Finn, and they were as much entitled to proper facilities at what is an international shrine, with one-and-a-half million visitors every year, bringing tourism and funding into the county.

Municipal district head Padraig Flanagan said there had been a gap in care-taking, which has now been sorted. There are minor issues which can be fixed straight away.

Mr. Flanagan agreed they are 'worse for wear' and application has been made in the budget for funding for refurbishment works in 2027.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme