Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s regeneration committee has decided to refurbish public toilets at the Irish Linen Museum rather than construct a new facility on Bow Street, despite earlier calls for a city centre toilet.

The committee considered three options: a refurbishment at Lisburn Square, an upgrade of the museum toilets, or buying or leasing a vacant unit to create a new public toilet. The estimated capital cost ranged from £100,000 to £300,000.

An Alliance Party proposal for a new build on Bow Street, which was backed by Sinn Fein, was defeated. Alderman James Baird voiced support for the museum upgrade as a first step, with further options to be considered later.

Alderman Allan Ewart noted that while the outcome was not what he had wanted, it was a good start and that opening hours should be reviewed, as sometimes no toilets are available at night.

Councillor Nicola Parker pointed out that in April 2024, councillors had supported the need for a new Bow Street toilet, and that no such facility exists in the city centre. She said there are vacant units available and that the council has a duty of care to residents.

A council officer said the museum refurbishment could be expedited using internal resources and would include modernisation, with a further review of public toilet provision to follow.

The district has only four council-operated toilets serving a population of more than 150,000.