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Pictured at the Men’s Beach toilet facilities and retail units in Ballybunion, were, from left; Cllr Liam Purtill, Joan McCarthy (Listowel Municipal District Manager), Cllr Jimmy Moloney, Cllr Robert Beasley, Eamon Scanlon (Listowel Municipal District Engineer), Cllr John Lucid, Cllr Mike Kennelly (Cathaoirleach).
IT’S a beach hugely popular with the people of north Kerry and now the facilities there are set for an overhaul.
Facilities at Ballybunion’s Men’s Beach are due to be improved soon with the demolition and replacement of the existing toilet facilities.
As part of a major redevelopment of the area, construction of a new Beach Service Centre is to commence. This will consist of lower level public toilet facilities and the upgrading of the existing retail outlets.
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With the introduction of the hugely successfully Wild Atlantic Way initaitive, Ballybunion has witnessed a growth in popularity over the last few years.
However, the infrastructure serving the Blue Flag beaches was not up to the standard of a modern seaside destination.
In 2016 the toilet facilities at the Ladies’ Beach were completely refurbished by Kerry County Council, but those overlooking the Men’s Beach remained unchanged.
Kerry County Council and Ballybunion Community Forum, a highly proactive local community group recognised that Ballybunion could enhance its visitor experience with redevelopment of the public toilets overlooking the Men’s Beach.
The Forum works closely with other local groups such as the Tidy Towns Group, Ballybunion Development Company and organisers of local events and festivals, as well as Fáilte Ireland.
Councillors in the Listowel Municipal District welcomed the development. Cathaoirleach Cllr Mike Kennelly said: “The existing toilet block is two-storey and adjoins a number of single-storey shops. Funding was secured under the 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme for the demolition and clearance of the existing public toilet structure, construction of a new lower level public toilet facility and upgrading of the shops, along with associated landscaping.”
“The lowering of the toilets to a single storey will also result in an improved vista for the visitor from the main streets overlooking the beaches and Wild Atlantic Way. This area when complete will improve the holiday experience for our international and domestic visitors to Ballybunion,” he said.
Malachy Walsh & Partners (MWP) Consulting Engineers were appointed to oversee the project and tenders are currently being sought for demolition and construction. Kerry County Council hopes to progress the project as early as possible.
