Businesses in Dublin city centre could be asked to open their toilet facilities to members of the public, even if they’re not customers.

The city council provides portable toilets on Friday and Saturday nights at two locations, at an annual cost of around €50,000, but it doesn’t have the cash to build permanent ones.

Dublin City Business Association says its open to the idea of allowing the public use members’ facilities, but says it would have to be voluntary, and shops should be allowed to decide if they want to charge people.