Mr. Michael Disken
C/o McHale Park
McHale Road
Castlebar
Co. Mayo.
15th December 2004.
Dear Michael,
Many thanks for letting me have a look at the seating areas and disabled toilets in McHale Park on the 20th November 2004.
As you seen for yourself at first hand the toilet was inaccessible for wheelchair users despite were designed by an Architect. (Enclosed copy of proper drawings) as laid down by the "Building Regulations 2000, Technical Guidance Document" M. The area between the two toilets needs attention, as the ground appears to be uneven and water coming through the ceiling.
There are no areas in the car park designed for disabled drivers/passengers. As the car park is open to the public it should have a minimum of one space of appropriate dimensions in every 25 standard spaces, up to the first 100 spaces; thereafter, one space per every 100 standard spaces or part thereof.
Parking bays should be firm, level and even. An uneven surface or an inclined bay makes transfer from vehicle to wheelchair difficult. The distance to be travelled from the car park to entrance should be as short as possible.
As some wheelchair bound persons would have to be pushed slower than others, this adds substantially to their overall travel time, with significant consequence in terms of exposure to inclement weather.
Regarding the wheelchair facilities in the park, it has been brought to my attention the position of the areas laid out to accommodate wheelchair users. As it is level with the pitch and close to the dugout and with mentors standing in front of them they are lucky if they see a quarter of the match.
I feel that what is needed is a purpose built elevated stand. The stand should have a cantilevered roof and fully ramped access from all quarters. Helpers should be provided with seats immediately beside each wheelchair. As McHale Park is the main pitch in the county it should be brought up to the standards as seen in other counties, e.g. St. Tighearnach’s Park, Clones for one.
If you need any further information regarding access or measurements feel free to contact me as working together things can be achieved to everyone’s satisfaction.
Kindest regards,
………………..
Tom Chambers
"The Billy Ranch"
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo