Plans for new toilet facilities in Kilkenny City centre announced

Senior Engineer with Kilkenny County Council, Stan Cullen has revealed plans are afoot to install Changing Places toilet facilities in the city centre.

Unlike standard public toilets, these facilities are specialised units designed for people with complex disabilities and/or for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.

Addressing a notice of motion raised by Mayor John Coonan, Mr Cullen confirmed three Changing Places facilities have been identified, however those projects are not expected to be completed for another three to five years.

Furthermore, Cllr Coonan also told the meeting that he had been informed by the council’s Access Officer that the OPW had obtained planning permission for the installation of said facilities on the grounds of Kilkenny Castle.

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"In this day and age in 2026 it is simply unacceptable," Cllr Coonan said, calling for ‘urgency’ on the matter.

"We have a tourist city and a heritage city with thousands of people, from inside our city and county as well, including people with access difficulties and mobility challenges who have every right to access the city and they should have the dignity of such a facility.

"Waiting for three years is just unacceptable at this stage. We need to take immediate steps with every possible option explored," suggesting a portable or modular solution in the short term.

In response, Mr Cullen vowed the council would ‘explore all options’ to provide suitable facilities.

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