Lisnaskea’s public toilets
A LOCAL councillor has said that a third attack on the public toilets in Lisnaskea is putting the future of the amenity at risk for the general public.
Police are appealing for information after a firework attack smashed two toilet blocks and two cisterns earlier this month.
It is the third attack in close to 18 months – and the ratepayers are footing the bill for all repairs.
This time, a Fermanagh District Council spokesman said: “Two toilet bowls and two cisterns in the public toilets in Lisnaskea were damaged by a firework. All items were replaced immediately. Fermanagh District Council condemn acts of vandalism against public facilities.”
SDLP Councillor Richie McPhillips, Lisnaskea, also condemned the attacks.
“Obviously where its costing ratepayers money you have to condemn any incident like that and appeal to those who are at it to desist.
“Where the public toilets are they’re sort of off the main street and they’d be an easy enough target. I suppose for those who would be at that sort of carry on, it’d be easy off to do it.”
And he admitted that there could be a risk to the future of the amenity if this type of behaviour was to continue.
“It’s like everything else, you can’t keep going back to a situation where it’s continually costing you money and could mean the closure on the amenity. But it’s a necessary amenity for any town.”
Sinn Fein MLA Sean Lynch added: “I don’t condone any sort of anti-social behaviour and destruction of public amenities regardless of who is taking part. It’s a public amenity and something that should be safe for all to use.”
Meanwhile, the old public toilets on Bank Brae, near the centre of the town, were closed in 2009. The council said it is currently looking for a use for the site.
Cllr McPhillips said: “Obviously its a pity that its sitting in such a prominent position – it’s a bit of an eyesore. It’s position probably doesn’t lend itself to be used for a lot of things.”
And MLA Lynch added: “It’s actually in a very awkward place at what is known as the Bank Brae and some believe that it should be somehow used for traffic coming down.
“That’s only some people’s views. But it’s hard to say exactly what the best use of it could be.
“The council own it and its really built into the bank brae and doesn’t lend itself to any great business idea.”
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