OPINION: The thing that gets missed in all the talk of tourism in Waterford
Tramore Promenade. Picture by Shannon Sweeney
A long-standing issue at the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council meetings has been the issue of public toilets at Clonea Beach.
Councillors say the issue affects the elderly, people with disabilities and families locally, as well as those visiting.
The council say they do not have the budget to maintain the toilets in the off-season.
All of that is valid, but the thing is, the beach is first and foremost for the people living in the area.
And for them, there is no on and off-season.
That is something that seems to get forgotten in all the talk of tourism. It isn’t just toilets and it isn’t just Clonea.
There is a lack of bins in some areas because there isn’t the budget to maintain them.
Some places don’t have public toilets at all or are hard to get to by public transport.
Some areas see an increase in foot traffic in the summer because they are popular with tourists.
But, they aren’t deserted the rest of the year round.
Locals visit their beaches. They eat in local cafes and use local shops.
The community is the lifeblood of the local economy.
And if the facilities were more accessible, perhaps more still would frequent them.
Whether anyone means to or not, a lack of facilities is a form of social exclusion.
Councillor Kate O’Mahoney shared a story at this month’s sitting of a constituent with a medical condition who visited Clonea Beach but had to use a private business bathroom.
People with disabilities, small children, or the elderly need certain things to be able to participate in their community and enjoy their space.
They deserve to be able to do that, and accessibility doesn’t begin and end with wheelchair ramps.
A good example of a lively off-season is Tramore.
While lots might be closed during the off-season, the promenade is always buzzing.
Mid-week as well as weekends, there are people out with dogs and children.
Community groups have activities there almost every day of the week.
There are swimmers and surfers and people meeting in the cafes.
Tramore is well known internationally as a tourist destination and has been for my whole life.
But it also seems to be a great place to live.
The public toilets are open year-round, and the place is well-maintained.
And that doesn't happen by accident.
We need the Deise to be an attractive place to live and work, as well as visit.
Places people want to be will attract investment.
But, those places have to be well-resourced by the local authority and public representatives first, as well as supported by the community.
