Councillor appeals for ‘disgraceful’ public toilets at Croagh Patrick to be shut down

"It's a black mark on a busy tourist area."

Mayo Councillor Christy Hyland has made an appeal to Mayo County Council for the public toilets at Croagh Patrick to be closed due to their 'dire' condition. According to the Connaught Telegraph, the toilets at the holy site are regularly left in terrible condition "with excrement on the floor, forcing people to walk away in disgust". Pilgrims visiting Croagh Patrick over the Christmas break were allegedly "shocked by the filthy state in which they are left, rendering them completely unfit for purpose". Councillor Hyland has said the problem has been going on "for years" and that the only option is to demolish the facilities.

"As far as I can ascertain, Mayo County Council is not facing up to its responsibilities as far as the toilets are concerned and that's a shocking indictment" he said.

"So I believe the best course of action is to close them down and erect signs at the base of the mountain informing pilgrims in advance. Sadly, the public toilets at the car park are in no great condition, either, and need urgent upgrading.

He added that he was saddened by the fact that people regularly leave Croagh Patrick with such a bad impression of the place due to the state of the toilets, and that the issue is not being addressed "despite it being consistently highlighted". Header image via Shutterstock READ NEXT: BaoBun Street Food to launch new Belfast restaurant by end of January