Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 July 2020
118. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to ensure that facilities such as public toilets are open at public amenities such as parks and beaches in view of the fact that this is not the case at Dollymount Strand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17717/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile I have responsibility for broad oversight of the local government system and specific responsibility for certain local government functions and services, I have no function in relation to this specific matter. Local authorities are entirely independent corporate entities having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions including the provision of public toilet facilities under Section 49 of the Public Health (Ireland) Act 1878.
However, I understand that in providing services such as toilet facilities at public amenities, local authorities are following the wider public health guidance and advice from the Department of Health and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in the context of the ongoing implementation and management of public health measures.
