Cllr. Michael Kilcoyne
9, Turlough Road
Knockthomas
Castlebar
Co. Mayo
3rd October 2005


Dear Michael,
I am concerned with the layout, position, surface condition, access and signage in relation to several of the new Disabled car parking spaces in the town and I would like you to raise these issues with the Town Council.
Parking bays should be firm, level and even. A 1.50 maximum gradient is acceptable where essential to remove surface water. An uneven surface or an inclined bay makes transfer from vehicle to wheelchair difficult. Parking bays designed for people with disabilities should be clearly marked on the roadway surface and be accompanied by the appropriate sign standing in front of the bay 2200m clear.
Spaces arranged parallel to the kerb need to take account of the transfer side. A disabled driver or passenger getting out on the kerb side may transfer directly onto the wheelchair located on the footpath. This can be very difficult if the kerb is not flush with the footpath, as it necessitates lifting the wheelchair out of the car up onto the pavement, and then lifting oneself up onto the chair from the car seat. This problem does not present itself if parking perpendicular to the kerb, as transfer will always be onto road level, which may be more convenient, assuming the provision of appropriate dishing providing access to the footpath. Where parallel parking is the only option, some people prefer to transfer on the road side to avoid the kerb, despite the obvious hazards. If so they do so, a clear space must be available at the ends of the car to allow them to use their boot and gain access to the footpath. In some situations where pavement width is restricted, it may be appropriate to ramp the pavement down to road level for the full length of the parking spaces in question. (Enclosed copy of Parking Bays)

The one in Linenhall Street is positioned in front of an access to private property. There is one on main street beside the Bungalow pub. It is blocking access to private property. There is no provision allowed to use the boot of ones car. Alighting from a vehicle can be via a side door or an end door. This generally involves using a portable ramp extending maximum 2000mm from the vehicle.

There are two bays in the middle of Main Street. The one located on the right hand side is located on a water valve. No room again to gain access to the boot of ones car. The surface is extremely rough and a wheelchair user would have to gain access onto footpath at the top of the street. A car parked there would also be blocking emergency access to Castle Street car park. I have pictures of the bay been constantly been used by taxis to park their cars. The one on the right hand side is of no use to a person transferring from the drivers side as they also will not be able to gain access to the footpath. Looking at a photo, it would be obstructing access to a laneway beside Everys sports shop. Were those people notified that their access would be taken from them.
If the Town Council is serious about implementing the Barcelona Project the first thing they should look at is the building ye use to hold your meetings. It did not surprise me to read in the local paper that it was not wheelchair accessible. What Michael you or other elected members were wheelchair bound in the morning. One elected member has gone on record that prior to been elected, he gained a lot of knowledge by attending every Council meeting. How would he feel now if the tide turned on him.

Michael, I would like to meet with you or any member of the Council and the area engineer to discuss the bays as there are people out there that have disabled parking badges but are fortunate to be able to walk and it has to be addressed. Recently I have been assisting a member of Ballina Town Council with the setting up of their Barcelona Committee to oversee their town’s compliance with the Declaration and I would respectfully suggest that Castlebar Town Council now form a Committee to meet on a regular basis to address the town’s disability needs.

Finally,
“Good Designs Enables”==== “Bad Designs Disables”
I await a reply.

Kindest Regards,
___________________
Tom Chambers
Access Campaigner for
People with Disabilities
“The Billy Ranch”
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo.