Access

(Part 2) Councillor Highlights Lack of access in Westport

 

This is evident along the North Mail.  There are dips on the newly done pavements on the Bridge Street side but no corresponding dips on the river thus this part of the mall is inaccessible for the disabled at this junction.

 

"There are also problems with other dips.  For instance at the crossing from the Mall over to Tuohy's corner on the Newport Road there is a drain in front of the dip making it uncomfortable if not impassable for someone in a wheelchair.

 

"Disabled parking is also an issue where the bays outside the Town Hall do not conform to standards.  Worse again they are misused by able bodied motorists parking on the area between the two spaces.  This space is not a parking space; it is to facilitate wheelchair users getting in and out of their vehicles."

 

 Cllr. Martin said Mr Chambers pointed out that disabled parking spaces are being misused if they are being used by able bodied people driving cars which are also used by the disabled.  Mr Chambers would like to see a crack down on this kind of abuse.

 

Mr Chambers also pointed out that the photo of the disabled person should be on the front of the disabled notice so that people can check if it is the same person driving the car and using a disabled bay.

 

Cllr. Martin continued: "There is also concern over the new toilet, in that while it is disability friendly, does not accept a skeleton key held by those with disabilities which is designed to give the disabled free access to toilet facilities nationwide.

 

"I think there is also need for public and disability friendly toilets at the Quay."

 

He added: "The good news is that Westport is a lot more disability friendly than many other towns and that what is wrong with Westport will not take a great deal of time or money to put right.

 

"From a purely selfish point of view, Westport has a lot to gain from being more accessible.  There are hundreds of thousands of euros in tourism money relating to disabled people and their families.  If Westport is accessible they will visit Westport and spend their money here.  There are also national awards for being accessible and I see no reason why Westport shouldn't work towards winning them.

 

"We owe it to those who do not have full mobility and those in wheelchairs to put these matters right.  Westport has always been a town of welcome and we should put extra effort into making sure it is accessible to all.  To this end I have contacted Westport Town Council and brought these concerns to their attention."