Services upgrade for Mayo beach toilets approved

PLANS for an upgrade to services at the toilet facilities at Bertra beach have been approved by councillors.

The proposal is to decommission the existing wastewater treatment system serving the public toilet facilities and put in place a new wastewater holding tank.

Councillor Peter Flynn said this was a welcome upgrade, but they needed to take it further.

Bertra is an important Blue Flag location and it, as well as Old Head, should be going down the same route as Keel and Carrowmore, which are getting all-weather beach activity centre facilities, he said.

Councillor Johnny O'Malley asked if Bertra will have a wheelchair-friendly toilet. This needs to be addressed, he said.

Another issue at Bertra is the tarred road there, which needs more rock armour. Without strengthening, it won't be long until it's washed out to sea, warned Councillor Chris Maxwell.

Elsewhere in the municipal district, Councillor Gerry Coyle wondered what is happening with commissioning a permanent toilet at the tidal pool in Belmullet.

Members were told funding is being pursued for a wheelchair accessible toilet at Bertra.

The Belmullet facility would be worked on with colleagues in the tourism section who are developing further works there.

Councillor Brendan Mulroy wondered why the council were carrying the cost for the Bertra works and not Uisce Éireann. The utility were responsible for the holding tank and system in Newport, so why not this one.

He was told it's different type of infrastructure. They were servicing the council's toilets in Bertra, whereas Newport facilities were serving the town.