Up until the 1970s, there were dozens of public toilets scattered around Dublin. Now, there are only just a couple.
Have you ever noticed that in Dublin, there are barely any public toilets? And by barely any, we mean none.
As a capital city, one with a bustling reputation as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, surely access to public toilets shouldn’t even be a question?
Let’s talk about the lack of public toilets in Dublin.
Public toilets in Dublin – there aren’t any
Up until the 1970s, there were dozens of public toilets in Dublin city centre. However, most of these have now closed due to anti-social behaviour.
As a result, public toilets in the region and the rest of Ireland have been pushed to the back of the government’s agenda, with the money being prioritised elsewhere.
Going from more than 40 public toilets to virtually zero has led to poor sanitation for the people of Dublin and those visiting, as many people are choosing to relieve themselves in the streets instead of finding a shopping centre, restaurant, or bar to do so.
But should you have to go seeking out a restroom in a leisure centre, petrol station, or pub when you’re desperate for the loo?
Behind the rest of Europe – we need to catch up
Dublin is a major city in Europe. It’s one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. However, the Irish capital is lacking when it comes to toilet accessibility compared to the rest of Europe.
Most major countries in Europe, like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and more, offer easy access to public toilets when you’re out and about.
For example, in Paris, there are more than 400 free, self-cleaning public toilets called ‘sanisettes’ that open with the push of a button.
Elsewhere in France and other European countries, public toilets operate on a pay-to-enter system, usually around a euro to access.
The dignity and inclusivity debate – a major hindrance
Public toilets are not merely a matter of convenience but also a question of dignity and inclusivity. There are people who need easy access to toilets, for medical reasons or otherwise.
Whether it’s people with disabilities, pregnant people, or the elderly – not having easy access to your next bathroom break can be detrimental for some.
The lack of inclusivity in Dublin, being as major a capital city as it is, not only hinders some people’s ability to live life to the fullest but also highlights the importance of prioritising accessibility in urban planning.
What’s being done about it? – very little
Dublin Council, Fingal Council, and more have been saying for years that measures are being put into place to work towards fixing this issue and finding solutions to Dublin’s public restroom problem. However, we’ve seen very little being done.
If you do a quick Google search for ‘public toilets Dublin’, you will see news articles dating back to 2020 and earlier that claim Dublin City Council has set aside funding to add dozens or even hundreds of public toilets to the city centre.
We’re now in 2024, and there are still no public restrooms readily available in the city.
With the failure of the council to act on this issue, there are various community groups and activists in Dublin who are advocating for better access to public toilets in the city.
What to do? – where to find toilets in Dublin city centre
While the lack of public toilets in Dublin remains a huge issue, there are toilets you can use in the city centre and the surrounding area if you need them.
Your best bet when exploring around the city is to source out the nearest shopping centre and make use of their toilet facilities.
For example, Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Jervis Shopping Centre, and the ILAC Shopping Centre are three locations in the heart of the city.
Failing that, head into a restaurant or bar close by and ask if you can use their toilet. As we said before, though, everyone should have easy access to public toilets without having to worry about where to find them.
For the current list of public toilets in Ireland, check out the Pee.ie website here.
What do you think about the lack of public toilets in Dublin?
