Visitor to Mayo beauty spot describes public toilets as 'filthy and disgusting'

THE public toilets on the grounds of Moorehall have been described as 'filthy and disgusting' with no running water to wash your hands.

The grounds of Moorehall which includes the ruined remains of the 18th century mansion as well as its walled gardens has become a popular attraction for visitors as well as local people in recent years. The estate located near the village of Carnacon was purchased from Coillte by Mayo County Council in 2018 and in recent years a masterplan was developed which will see the estate turned into a national nature reserve.

However, one person who visited Moorehall last week told The Mayo News that the public toilets are not fit for public use with no running water and a two litre bottle of water left for people to wash their hands.

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The woman, who did not wish to be named, also claimed that there was no toilet paper or towels and said the whole experience took away from the beauty of the estate.

“There were people there with children and the toilets were absolutely filthy. It was absolutely disgusting for people to have to go in there and use it in a public place. The toilets were blocked and there was no toilet paper and it was disgusting. I am talking excrement, dirt and pure filth, no running water or proper facilities for people to use. They are really filthy.

“I must say Moorehall is a beautiful area with lovely sculptures and a safe place for people to go for a walk. There are picnic areas and an ideal place to bring children but they will need to go to the toilet and that is what you are bringing them into. If they could, they would be better off going in the woods.

“It is open to the public and the facilities should be up to standard. If a health and safety person went in there they would shut the whole place down. That is the truth,” the woman explained.

Lack of running water

LOCAL councillor Al McDonnell told The Mayo News that he is aware of issues regarding the lack of running water in the wash basins but was recently informed that the problem was investigated and will be rectified very soon.

“I am familiar with the issue and I was informed a number of inspections have taken place to identify the source of the problem. A lot of work went on there over the last number of months and something may have happened during that work which may have damaged a supply line and there is no water in the basins. I have made representations to try to get it rectified and it is hoped that it will be rectified very quickly,” he said.

When asked about the cleanliness of the toilets, he said that he is aware that the toilets do be maintained regularly by council staff but accepted that the increased footfall in recent weeks may have resulted in issues.

“This time of year there is a lot of usage and they would need to be maintained very regularly but I think that is happening,” he commented.