IWA accessibility audit planned for Carrickmacross

The Irish Wheelchair Association will be asked to carry out a footpath audit in Carrickmacross in advance of planned footpath upgrades in the town. The proposal was unanimously agreed at Monday’s meeting of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District, after being proposed by Cllr Colm Carthy (SF), who said wheelchair users are best placed to know what’s required to improve accessibility.

Furthermore, he asked that the project be extended to encompass a general accessibility audit of the town, including parking and general infrastructure. Cllr Carthy said that it had come to his attention that “some disabled bays are unsuitable” and that some people are experiencing difficulties getting in and out of their cars at certain bays in town.

In introducing the motion, the public representative noted that it was timely because of planned improvements to Main Street and the Bridewell area. “We already have ‘Make Way Day’ every year and this can coincide with the work of consultants,” he said, adding that the IWA had carried out this type of work before.

Cllr Peter Conlon of Fine Gael seconded, stating that he was “100% behind improvements to accessibility”. However, he asked if the suggested improvements had already been flagged by Active Travel and were already in the pipeline as part of public realm plans.

He noted that some footpaths come to an abrupt stop with a high kerb. “As a member of the Disability Forum … if this helps, happy days,” he said.

Fianna Fáil’s PJ O’Hanlon commended what he described as “a very worthwhile motion” and suggested: “There will be costs and it will take some time, so if the Irish Wheelchair Association are looking for a contribution, they should be accommodated.”

Cathaoirleach of Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Municipal District Noel Keelan (SF) said that people had to use wheelchairs for a variety of reasons and he commended the late Francie Cassidy for leading the charge for improved accessibility 30 years ago. “Massive improvements have been made, people are a lot more conscious of accessibility, but we need to maintain a laser-sharp focus on this issue.”

It was clarified at the meeting that the wheelchair audit would not duplicate the work already done by Active Travel or on public realm plans.

The motion was unanimously agreed and Cllr Carthy said: “I want the town to be accessible for all.”

He expressed his hope that the IWA would agree to conduct the audit and that any recommendations arising be implemented.