Easkey, described as "the capital of surfing in Ireland," does not have public toilets because they were closed due to vandalism and there are now no funds to repair them, nor is it proposed to reopen them.

But apart from the issue of the toilets, a local councillors from the area told the March monthly meeting of Sligo County Council that the people of Easkey were of the opinion that the council had let them down and they felt they were "completely passed over" when it came to government support.

The issue arose as a result of a motion from Clr. Michael Clarke calling on the council to provide funding to reopen the public toilets at Easkey Pier.

His motion also called for the council to ensure the toilets were available for the busy surfing season and to examine the possibility of providing a caretaker for the toilets.

A council response to Clr. Clarke's motion stated that the toilet block at Easkey Castle had to be closed due to vandalism. There were no funds available for any repairs and it was not proposed to reopen the toilets.

Clr. Clarke said there was talk about a village enhancement for Easkey some years ago but it never came.

And placing a large bottle of coloured water on the bench in front of him in the council chamber, Clr. Clarke said the water supply in some housing estates was nothing short of pathetic.

"I have a sample here taken from Gerry Danaher's kitchen tap dribble, near the Castle Heights," said Clr. Clarke, adding that Mr. Danaher was having the water tested for lead.

Clr. Clarke said it took months to get street lights repaired in Easkey and the footpaths left a lot to be desired.

"And now the toilets are boarded up," he said.

"Does the council have any plans to put up signs each side of Easkey saying 'Closed for Business? What will people think of Easkey when they come on holiday?" asked Clr. Clarke.

He pointed out that the toilet at Easkey were essential and vital to the tourism trade around Easkey. The area was the capital of surfing in Ireland, having had many national events over the years.

"I would ask Sligo County Council to expedite plans that have been on display at Easkey House in Easkey to build a marine museum, aquarium, hostel, café and toilets on the site near Easkey Castle and to convene a working group to guide this project that will create 15 new jobs. This project can source the €3.5m that will bring it to completion," Clr. Clarke said.

He went on to ask if there had been any objections to this proposal, and if any objections had been validated or investigated.

"In the meantime, I would ask the council to explore the possibility of engaging with the Family Resource Centre and the Men's Group there with a view of having the toilets reopened and serviced. I think the council should give some help to Easkey," Clr. Clarke said.

Director of Services Tom Kilfeather said the council would be happy to en gage with anyone. However, he said the council did not have the resources to open or clean the toilets.

Clr. Joe Queenan said a board was formed to look after that area and it met on a number of occasions. He understood there were plans for that area.

Regarding reopening the toilets, Clr. Queenan said a lot of people visited the area.

"I spoke to the Family Resource Centre last year and it's a case of everyone coming together," Clr. Queenan said.

Clr. Mary Barrett said that while they all agreed the toilets should be opened in Easkey, which was the hub of surfing, she did not know if Clr. Clarke was aware that a committee was in place there.

Clr. Barrett went on to thank Director of Services Rita McNulty for her help and for working with the committee.

"She is working to enhance that area," said Clr. Barrett, who added that what was needed was a committee meeting.

Clr. Clarke said he was aware there was a group set up but he thought it was important that "something be done."

"There is no point in a committee or group that is not functioning," said Clr. Clarke, who asked for a report at the next county council meeting.

County Manager Hubert Kearns said the council was very keen to see something happen in Easkey. It was a beautiful area and it was a very sensitive area from a planning point of view and whatever was done needed to be done cautiously.

Clr. Queenan pointed out that the council had put money into an archaeology study of that area and money was also put into footpaths.