LOOVE ISLAND
Public toilets set to be in place for summer season
ISLAND 2 PUBLIC toilets are expected to be in place prior to the start of the tourist season on the Great Blasket Island.
Despite the Co Kerry island having no running water, Wi-fi or electricity, it attracts thousands of applicants to be caretakers for six months from April to September annually.
The unique nature on the island, which was once the home to author Peig Sayers, attracts on average 12,000 visitors a year.
Moves to establish public toilets on the island comes after last year’s caretakers Claire de Haas and Brock Montgomery spoke out about how members of the public were defecating in the late author’s home, other ruins and around areas of the island. Last October Junior Minister Patrick O’donovan announced the Office of Public Works is examining the possibility of public facilities being erected.
An OPW spokesperson said yesterday: “The provision of public conveniences on An Blascaod Mor is an ongoing challenge given the unique nature of the island.
“The OPW is actively pursuing a number of options for the provision of public toilets with a view to having a workable solution in operation as soon as practicable.”
Billy O’connor runs the accommodation on the island with his partner Alice Hayes.
There are no permanent residents on the island, which was deserted in the 1950s because emergency services were unable to reach it in storms.
Mr O’connor and Ms Hayes own a coffee shop and three cottages which are rented out to holidaymakers.
His links to the island date back to when his grandfather and grand uncle bought it, which eventually ended up in lengthy and costly legal battles in the High and Supreme Courts against the State and Charles Haughey over ownership and use rights.