Dublin City Council is proposing the installation of four new public toilet facilities in high-traffic areas of the city centre, at an estimated total cost of €5.7 million over the next five years.
A report due to be presented to councillors on Monday outlines the planned locations: South King Street, Barnardo Square, O’Connell Street/North Prince’s Street, and Smithfield Square.
Each facility would be multi-cubicle and staffed, similar to the public toilet currently in operation at St Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed toilets would operate seven days a week, with opening hours aligned to nearby retail activity.
The report, authored by the council’s Director of Services Derek Kelly, also confirms that the temporary unit at St Stephen’s Green is to be replaced with a permanent structure in future.
Design consultants are expected to be appointed this month to begin planning the new facilities, with public consultation scheduled for later this year—likely in the second or third quarter. Installation of the toilets is anticipated in mid-to-late 2026, following the selection of a service provider.
While a 50-cent usage fee is being considered, the council expects the facilities will run at a significant loss, with the shortfall to be covered by its budget.
The capital cost for each unit—including a 4-to-5 cubicle structure and an attached kiosk—is estimated at €200,000, with installation costs ranging between €75,000 and €100,000 depending on location. Total capital expenditure is projected at €1.3 million.
However, the majority of the €5.7 million budget is allocated to operations. Over a five-year contract, maintenance, cleaning, and staffing are expected to cost around €4.4 million.
