Bog roll bandit leaves toilet goers discommoded in East Cork town

Council staff replenish supplies each morning, but public toilets are reportedly stripped bare within minutes

Every morning, Cork County Council staff fully stock the toilets at the Front Strand in Youghal at 7.30am. However, by 8am, the entire supply is gone. Picture: David Creedon

A local authority is trying in vain to get to flush out a toilet roll thief in an East Cork town that is leaving beachgoers caught short after visiting the facilities.

Every morning, Cork County Council staff fully stock the toilets at the Front Strand in Youghal at 7.30am. However, by 8am, the entire supply is gone. 

Cork county mayor Mary Linehan Foley has issued a public appeal for the culprit to stop and for members of the public to be on the lookout for the cheeky thief.

According to Ms Linehan Foley, this has been an issue since 2022, with the issue occurring during the summer months.

Cork East Sinn Féin TD Pat Buckley added: “This petty crime could have major implications for those who have to take a number two without noticing that the material for the final act is missing, a foul act with an embarrassing outcome."

He said the cunning thief plies his craft with laser-like precision.

“Apparently, the speed of the crime is nothing short of Speedy Gonzales. As soon as the toilets are stocked up with paper, just as fast it’s been emptied.

“Surely someone with a heart would leave at least one toilet roll."

County councillor Ann Marie Ahern told the Irish Examiner that she hopes that the issue in Youghal can be resolved.

"I can see the funny side to the story. But in reality, that facility is there for people, particularly with children, for older people, people with disabilities, people with mobility and health issues.

"They may need that service in a public area and on public beaches.

"So it would just be a plea to anybody who is taking something, even as small as the toilet paper, to just be considerate of those who may actually need the service."

The motive of the toilet roll thief remains unclear. 

Anyone who sees anything suspicious near the Youghal beach toilets is asked to notify either Cork County Council or the gardaí.