Request from Noeline Ruane (Foxford) re Ballina

----- Original Message ----- From: Noeline Ruane To: thomaschamebers@eircom.net Cc: noelineruane@eircom.net Sent: Friday, February 23, 2007 5:51 PM Subject: ACCESS ISSUES IN BALLINA 1. MOTOR TAX OFFICE The ramp into the building is extremely steep, especially when exiting the building. A hand-rail is urgently required as I, as a wheelchair user cannot control my chair going down the ramp. I have had to seek assistance from staff in the building to get down the ramp safely. 2. DUNNES STORES CAR PARK. While I am delighted to see two proper parking spaces in the large car park at last, at least three more in the same row are required. They must also be monitored constantly, as already I have seen cars using the spaces that do not have parking badges displayed. Those found abusing the spaces should be issued with a ticket even if they have paid the parking fee. 3. ROADWAY OUTSIDE DUNNES STORES When exiting Dunnes Stores, (in my wheelchair) and trying to get across the road to the large car-park, I always have to rely on other pedestrians to tell me if the road is clear. This is due to the size and number of trucks constantly parked alongside the wall of Dunnes, and the number of taxis picking up customers. Many of the truck drivers leave their engines running so it is even hard to hear if traffic is approaching. I think Dunnes should be compelled to use their side carpark for deliveries and as a taxi pick-up or drop off point. I myself was knocked out of my wheelchair outside Dunnes a number of years ago, by a mini-bus. Luckily I was not injured, but I feel it is only a matter of time before an elderly person, a child or someone like me is killed at this spot. 4. ON-STREET PARKING Again I welcome the additional wheelchair spaces around the town. However the spaces and the pavement must be absolutely level, to allow the wheelchair user transfer across into their chair more easily. At the moment a number of the spaces have high footpaths alongside, and the user has to literally climb up into their chair. A space nearer to the Post Office would be appreciated, (on the level). 5. PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS AT THE JUNCTION IN THE CENTRE OF THE TOWN I have brought up this issue with the councillors in the past. Metal bollards should be put at each side of the crossing point, to stop people parking their cars on the crossings. Otherwise they are a complete waste of money and resources. The crossing at the top of O'Rahally Street is particularly bad for this problem and it could be very easily rectified. 6. PAVEMENT AT THE BACK OF EASONS ETC I have used the wheelchair space in the new carpark off Bury Street on a number of occasions recently, to access the Easons bookstore. However each time, the pavement is blocked by a sign used by the food premises next door to Easons. Members of the public have had to move the sign each time to allow me get past. 7. RAMP LEADING FROM BURY STREET CAR PARK TO TONE STREET Again, there should be a handrail at this ramp to help wheelchair users and other members of the public (elderly etc) to maximise use of this short-cut to the town centre from the car-park.
**********************************************************************Is faoi rún agus chun úsáide an té nó an aonán atá luaite leis, a sheoltar an ríomhphost seo agus aon comhad atá nasctha leis. Má bhfuair tú an ríomhphost seo trí earráid, déan teagmháil le bhainisteoir an chórais.Deimhnítear leis an bhfo-nóta seo freisin go bhfuil an teachtaireacht ríomhphoist seo scuabtha le bogearraí frithvíorais chun víorais ríomhaire a aimsiú.This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager.This footnote also confirms that this email message has been swept by anti-virus software for the presence of computer viruses.**********************************************************************