KCC to support national Toilet Access scheme

Councillor Patricia Logue of Derry & Strabane District Council, with the window sticker format used by participating businesses in the area.

Kildare County Council plans to support the development of a national 'No Wait' card scheme designed to help individuals with medical conditions that require urgent access to toilet facilities, writes Brian Byrne. The issue was raised at the recent full Council meeting by Cllrs Aoife Breslin, Mark Leigh, Rupert Heather, Angela Feeney, and Ann Breen.

The motion also proposed a voluntary 'Urgent Access' initiative in County Kildare, encouraging local businesses to participate by providing cardholders with urgent access to toilets. This scheme would include window stickers, promotion through local business networks, and collaboration with relevant health organisations and disability groups to raise awareness among residents and businesses.

Officials agreed that, through the Community Department, the Council would work with the Health Service Executive to develop its plans for this initiative and, subject to available resources, explore opportunities for the Council to support HSE-led activities in this area.

Similar schemes already operate in other areas: for example, in Derry and Strabane, the Community Toilet Scheme, managed by the Council in partnership with local businesses, allows members of the public to use the facilities free of charge during regular opening hours without making a purchase. Participating businesses receive an annual fee from the Council, based on the facilities they offer.

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