TECHNOLOGY


The many faces of toilet technology


Liam Smith from Tork manufacturer Essity looks at various ways in which technology is helping to improve the public toilet experience for people in Ireland.


Like many other countries across the world, Ireland has lost vast numbers of its public toilets over recent years. Budget pressures had already led to widespread closures even before the start of the global pandemic, but COVID-19 seems to have been the final nail in the coffin for many.


Those facilities that did reopen after the pandemic were obliged to introduce social distancing to help keep people safe. However, these proved to be inconvenient and impractical for smaller washrooms, and this meant large numbers of toilets remained closed.


Having a dearth of public toilets is a problem in any country. Tourism could suffer because visitors are likely to leave negative reviews of a town or resort that has poor washroom


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provision. People in general feel uncomfortable when going out and about when they know there are few public toilets are available. Anyone with specific access needs is likely to feel particularly vulnerable, since accessible washrooms tend to be even thinner on the ground.


This is where technology comes in. Smartphone applications are making it easier for people across Ireland to find a toilet when they need one, and these apps are helping everyone whether they have specific access needs, are taking a holiday in the country, or simply want to plan a day out.


For example, Pee.ie provides subscribers with a map of toilets and invites them to upload details of hygienic facilities in their locality. Describing itself as ‘the definitive


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