Tabled Question in the Name of Cllr A Henry

"Who made the decision to, and when was the decision made, to close Portglenone Public Toilets and what account was taken of the impact this decision would have on people with disabilities prior to it being made?"

The decision to permanently close the public toilets located on Portglenone Main Street was an operational decision made by the Tier 3 Manager and the Director of Operations following an operational review in early 2025. This decision was based on a number of factors including cost, accessibility, and health and safety concerns.

Initially, the intention had been to refurbish the existing toilet block. However, once detailed drawings and costings were obtained, the estimated cost exceeded £70,000. A significant challenge was the difference in levels between the footpath and the toilet floor, which made compliance with Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements and Building Regulations difficult. Achieving level access would have required substantial structural changes, including the creation of a corridor through the ladies’ facilities to access the gents’, reducing the overall footprint and capacity of the block. 

Additionally, the entrance to the toilets opened directly onto a busy footpath adjacent to high-volume traffic, presenting a health and safety risk, particularly for users with mobility issues.

Given these constraints, the value proposition of investing £70,000 in a facility that would still offer limited accessibility, and reduced capacity was deemed poor. It was concluded that the funding could be better allocated to other areas where greater public benefit could be achieved.

To ensure continued access to public conveniences, the Council has arranged for the opening of a new toilet facility at Portglenone Marina. These toilets are located behind the play park and community centre, in a popular area with adjacent car parking. The facilities include:

• 1 disabled toilet
• 3 female toilets
• 2 male toilets
• 2 urinals
• Wash basin facilities

Please note that the toilets on Portglenone Main Street will close permanently on Tuesday 30 September 2025 at 5pm. Signage will be placed at the site with directions to the new Marina toilet facility, which will open to the public on Wednesday 1 October 2025. The new facility will be open Monday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm.

It is important to note that councils in Northern Ireland do not have a statutory duty to provide public toilets. Provision is discretionary under legislation such as the Public Health Act 1936 and the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. While the Council aims to support accessibility and public convenience where feasible, decisions must also reflect practical constraints and responsible use of public funds.

"Please provide a complete breakdown of all monies received as part of the Executive Office's Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy by (i) activity and (ii) group. Please also detail any other costs related to the delivery of projects including council overheads, admin fees etc."

1.  Please provide a complete breakdown of all monies received as part of the Executive Office's Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.

A.  £150,000 – Letter of Offer details £50,000 Momentum Funding + £100,000 Local Change Fund by activity and group.

B.  Local Change fund totalling £100,000 – 5 Awards

• Women's Aid ABCLN  £24,960
• Larne Well-Being Hub  £24,170
• Irish FA Foundation  £24,860
• Turning Point NI  £18,110
• CHILL (Carrickfergus)  £7,900

C. Momentum Funding TOTAL of £50,000

C1. Northern Domestic & Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership (NDSVP) £40,000

Key activities as part of the project with NDSVP will include:

• New training to Council and other organisations/facilities across MEA combining Safe Place and PSNI Power to Change
• Specific EVAWG training for women’s groups and community groups
• New online resources and toolkits
• The development of a new programme to support women with complex needs, focusing initially on mental health settings
• Further adjustments to this project outline must be discussed and agreed at project liaison meetings with MEABC key link officer.

C2. Council led Programmes    £10,000

These include programmes such as “Safer Steps” SAFER STEPS - MEABC Parks and Open Spaces Development Team recognises the importance of women and girls accessing and enjoying our Blue and Green Spaces. SAFER STEPS sessions are an opportunity to head out for a moonlit walk with like-minded women. They are joined by Local Neighbourhood Officers who share personal safety advice and answers any questions participants may have.

2. Please also detail any other costs related to the delivery of projects including council overheads, admin fees etc. 

All associated costs were absorbed by Council.