ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

There's good news for everyone travelling to Dublin for this year's European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards: the city's airport has cleaned up its act.

Social media sites were inundated with complaints last summer about messy toilets and other cleaning lapses at Dublin Airport. Washroom hygiene at the facility was described as "appalling" by Twitter users, with commentators complaining of massive queues, blocked cubicles and a shortage of toilet paper.

Airport operator DAA claimed the facility was struggling to cope with the resurgence in passenger numbers following the Covid-19 pandemic. And the company has now put in place a 15-point plan to ensure that passengers enjoy a vastly improved airport experience with no repeat of last year's issues.

"We've listened to our passengers' feedback and we're focusing on improving the things that matter to them," said DAA chief Kenny Jacobs. "This summer our passengers can expect to see more staff, shorter queues, more seats, new family seating zones and less clutter across the airport."

According to the facility around 120 cleaning inspections will be carried out every day during the summer. And it adds that steps taken so far are already paying off, with customer satisfaction rates regarding its 500-plus toilets at their highest level in three years.

The European Cleaning and Hygiene Awards will be held on Thursday October 5 at The Round Room at The Mansion House, Dublin. There's still time to submit your entry - closing date is April 28. Click here to find out about categories and to access the entry form.