Call for quiet spaces to support neurodivergent residents
Cavan County Council is being urged to explore the creation of dedicated, quiet, regulation spaces in towns across the county to support neurodivergent people who may find busy public environments overwhelming.
The proposal was put forward by Fine Gael’s Niamh Brady who said such spaces could provide a calm, low-stimulus environment for individuals experiencing sensory overload.
Cllr Brady told councillors at the March monthly meeting of Cavan County Council that recent national survey data suggests around one in 10 adults in Ireland identify as neurodivergent including those with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.
She added that autism prevalence among children has increased significantly in recent years, meaning many families in local communities are directly affected.
“Many neurodivergent people can find busy public environments overwhelming due to noise, lighting and crowd levels,” she told her fellow chamber colleagues. “Without access to a calm, low-stimulus environment they may feel forced to leave shared spaces entirely, even when they want to participate socially and engage with community life.”
Drawing on personal experience, Cllr Brady said that simple trips into town can quickly become overwhelming for some children and families. “When there is no safe, calm place for a child to regulate, parents are often forced to leave entirely,” she explained.
“This not only limits the child’s opportunity to socialise and build independence, but it also places significant emotional strain on families.”
While praising the range of social and community opportunities available in Cavan Town, Cllr Brady said the absence of a sensory-considerate space can unintentionally limit participation for some members of the community.
Cllr Brady suggested that a small, accessible quiet space in the town centre, perhaps as part of the proposed new Abbeylands development in Cavan Town.
The councillor proposed that the facility could be located within an existing public building, such as a library, civic office or community centre, and equipped with features such as soft adjustable lighting, sound-dampening materials, comfortable seating and clear signage identifying it as a quiet regulation area.
She acknowledged that practical considerations too - including preventing anti-social behaviour - would need to be addressed. However, Cllr Brady said the initiative would send a strong message that Cavan is an inclusive and forward-thinking county that values all of its citizens.
The motion was seconded by Fianna Fáil’s Patricia Walsh who said the sensory space at Tullacmongan Resource Centre was an invaluable asset.
Sinn Féin’s Damien Brady meanwhile highlighted the sensory room at Kingspan Breffni Park, specially designed to provide for children with sensory processing difficulties and their families.
There was support too from Áine Smith (FF), with Winston Bennett (FG) suggested that two major retail investments planned for the county - Tesco and Lidl in Cavan Town - should also consider installing sensory spaces for families of children with additional needs.
It was noted that the Johnston Library in Cavan Town has a “pod”, but Cllr Brady said that this needs to be booked, is often in use, and not then available when a child is in need.
There was support too for the motion from Clifford Kelly (FF) and Carmel Brady (FG) who said Cootehill has four such designated spaces - with the Holy Family School and Drumlin House nearby - but the key is to have “purpose built” facilities within reasonable access to the public.