€140,000 to provide bins and toilets at beaches off-season

THE cost of providing bin and toilet services at Mayo's beaches in the off-season is estimated at €140,000.

The cost was revealed in a reply to a notice of motion calling on the county council to maintain toilet and bin services at all beaches over the winter/spring period.

The services were sought by Councillors Peter Flynn and Jarlath Munnelly in light of the ongoing Covid restrictions and the need to support residents in every way possible.

A reply to their notice of motion, which came before today's (Monday) monthly council meeting, explained how the annual beach maintenance programme runs from May to October, providing a toilet maintenance and litter bin collection service together with beach clean-ups, information boards and all other requirements to meet Blue Coast or Green Flag status.

The budget was stretched this year to meet additional requirements for Covid-19, but does not extend beyond these dates.

It was pointed out that beach usage levels are normally quite low in winter and spring, with beaches used primarily for walking rather than water-based or family activities, which generate demand for toilets and bins.

The experience of bins on beaches outside of the bathing season has been that they end up being used for household waste disposal.

The estimated additional cost to provide the services requested to all beaches this winter and spring was €140,000.

Head of environment Martin Keating, in his report, said with the likelihood of further travel restrictions into spring, it would not be cost-effective or financially prudent to extend the service.

A 'disappointed' Councillor Flynn said it was regrettable that the cost is significant but he accepted the budgetary constraints.