Dear Kevin,

Some observations made to proposed plans for Peter Street Ballina

Seating

Seating should be located in sheltered areas where people can have a good view. A 900mm square of firm paving beside a seat will allow a person in a wheelchair to sit with other people. A seat should be no less than 450mm high, although a perch 500-750mm will be easier to use for people with restricted power. I would recommend seats with backrests as they are useful for additional support, and arm rests are also recommended to lean against, as well as assisting in getting up and out of the seat.

Designated Parking Bays

A designated Parking Bay SHOULD is located as near as possible to Quinns Chemist and Dr. Acupuncture to facilitate people with disabilities especially wheelchair users if they wish to get their prescriptions or wish to visit the Dr. Perpendicular bays can be installed when the path is widened (as we discussed). Provide minimum 900mm clear space beside the designated bay so as to facilitate wheelchair transfer from car to footpath. Cars can be driven forward or reversed into the bay, so that the transfer space is at the right side. Provide a 900mm yellow box at back of bay and designated bay painted with BLUE paint with a sign 2200mm high from ground level.

Bollards and Grills

Bollards are often used to stop vehicles mounting the footpaths. Unless positioned carefully they can form a barrier to wheelchair users and people with visual impairments. They should be identified by using contrasting colours, and be minimum 800mm high and 200mm wide.
Grills should have a maximum gap- of 12mm and are perpendicular to direction of pedestrian traffic.

Bicycle Ranks.

Bicycle Ranks should be identified by using contrasting colours and protected from the glare of the sun.


Trees

Avoid planting which exacerbates asthma and other breathing difficulties. Scent even in trees is rarely evident except on warm days in the growing season. Trees can be used to provide shelter for visually impaired people to locate themselves in a space. Planting in public places should be carried out by people with proper training and knowledge.


If the work is carried out accordance with NDA “Building for Everyone” and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people’.



Footpaths

Could you provide a Luminance or tactile strip preferably located in the centre of paths for visually impaired people?

(“Nothing about Us without Us”)

Regards,

Tom

Footpath in Mulranny

Cllr. Michael Holmes
Newfield
Westport
Co. Mayo


Date: 3rd March 2010


Dear Michael,

I have recently looked at the new footpath in Mulranny village. I feel that there is a need for tactile paving at both ends of the footpath to indicate a change of surface level for people with visual impairments.

I feel that had the installment of the new footpath been brought to my attention along with other issues, the most vulnerable in society would not be forgotten.

I would like arrange to meet with you to discuss this and other topics that have been brought to my attention.






Yours truly,


………….........
Tom Chambers

Street in Westport

I spotted this 'obstacle' the other day up at the Octagon. A person in a wheelchair has no chance of getting around this, and the problem is further compounded by the 'over-hanging' parked car! The purpose of a footpath is for safe pedestrian movement - not an extension of a public house. This seating will have to be moved, and as this is not an isolated example, the on-going problem of over-hanging parked cars will have to be addressed going forward. This type of access problem is also a concern for the elderly, people with pushchairs, and the visually impaired.

Rgds.,

Cllr. Dave Keating
086 303 4074

Accessible phone booth in Westport, Mayo

8th October 2009

Dear Editor,



I am writing to you to draw your attention to the Tourist Information Kiosk at Westport Quay.



The idea of an out-of-hours facility for visitors is a fantastic one which ensures that Westport does not miss out on potential tourism and makes staying in Westport easier than ever.



However there is an even greater potential for towns like Westport in the possibility of attracting an un-targeted 10 % of the population who have a disability. By making Westport a disability-friendly tourism town there is a great potential for increased tourism even in this recession.



But first we need to work on making access to the town a priority and importantly we need to make the Tourist Information Kiosk at Westport Quay accessible.



Unfortunately there is no ramp adjacent to the Kiosk making it inaccessible for those of us in wheelchairs and those with mobility problems such as some senior citizens. It is over 100 metres to the nearest ramp and this cannot be called accessible.



Also the Kiosk needs some internal adjustments as the phone cannot be comfortably be used from a wheelchair, and there is no provision of a flip down seat for others. There is also a lack of tactile paving and it is not colour coded to make it easier for the visually impaired. To benefit visually impaired people, a telephone should be selected which have well lit keyboards, large embossed or raised numerals that contract in colour and luminance.



A tactile telephone symbol should be placed outside an accessible telephone kiosk. Instructions for using telephone should be clear and displayed in a large easy to read typeface. Induction couples should be fitted to enable people with hearing aids to use them. The telephone should be identified by the appropriate symbol adjacent to the telephone or outside the kiosk. Preferably, telephones for use by disabled people should be located to enable wheelchair users to approach and use the phone from the front and the side. If it it raining it is imposable to use the phone the front or side as there is no protection from the rain unlike the location of the able-bodied phone and a knee hole is needed at least 500mm deep to enter from the front.



A fold down seat 450mm-50mm high or a perch seat 650mm-800mm high should be provided for the convenience of ambulant people. Politicians and Communities who strive to make environment accessible to all are demonstrating their desire to offer the population a good quality of life and provide people their opportunities to develop, both social and personally. It should also be remembered that it is the politicians who are responsible for public spending. In this respect, making environment accessible has a direct effect on public spending. But it is a great start and with a bit of work it could be the first step in a Westport which welcomes tourists from all over the world to a disability-friendly Westport.





Finally, proper accessibility makes towns more attractive for the people who live in them and for potential visitors (tourism) I have followed the discussions about accessibility since the late eighties, many enthusiastic and passionate things have been said and written. The fact remains that we still cannot claim that the town of Westport is accessible for all. Representatives of those in our community with issues such as mobility and access are only too delighted to work with councils and organisations in making our community accessible for all. We are entitled to be consulted and our motto is “Nothing about us, without us!”





Sincerely Yours



Thomas Chambers

Disability Campaigner

Knocknageeha

Newport

Co. Mayo

€1 million tourism boost for Mayo

€1m tourism boost for Mayo
TUESDAY, 15 JULY 2008
Michael Duffy

FIVE tourism projects in Mayo are to get significant funding under the Tourism Infrastructure Project, it was announced yesterday (Monday). The funding was sanctioned by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism, Martin Cullen TD, under the Fáilte Ireland Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
The projects in Mayo to benefit are: Killary – Newport Linear Cycle Route, grant aid of 75 per cent, up to a maximum of €105,000; Croagh Patrick and National Famine Monument Site, improvement of facilities, grant aid of 75 per cent, up to a maximum of €112,500; Westport Cycle Hub – Railway Cycle Lane, grant aid of 75 per cent, up to a maximum of €252,750; Westport Hub Cycle Route, provision of a cycle lane, grant aid of 75 per cent, up to a maximum of €262, 500 and a National Coastal Walk, development of a walk from Westport Quay to National Famine Museum, Croagh Patrick, grant aid of 75 per cent, up to a maximum of €262,500.
Deputy Beverley Flynn warmly welcomed the funding, saying it is crucial that the Government continues to invest in tourism infrastructure, particularly in the west of Ireland where tourism products are growing at an enormous rate.
Westport’s Fianna Fáil councillor, Margaret Adams, who has done a lot of lobbying in relation to funding for cycle routes and walkway around the town, said she was delighted that work can now begin on making these much-needed attractions a reality.

One Man’s Story

One Man’s Story

in September of this year, a delegation of the disabled arrived in Strasbourg at the heart of the EU to lobby MEPs for increased direct funding of the disabled throughout the EU. The trip was organised by the European Network of Independent Living (ENIL) and the Centre for Independent Living Dublin (CIL Dublin) and was seen as an opportunity to empower people with disabilities from all over the European Union states.
Disability campaigner Tom Chambers was among those who travelled out to meet the MEPs, rally outside the Parliament and meet with the European Court of Human Rights. Tom is well known throughout Mayo and further a field as a dedicated campaigner for the rights of those with disabilities and for the provision of disability accessible facilities and buildings.
The Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2009 took place from Monday 14th to Thursday 17th September 2009. The purpose of this trip was to deliver a petition from people all over Europe with various disabilities to the European Parliament.

Here is Tom’s story

I had travelled by air via Charles De Gaulle Airport to Strasbourg in 2005 on my own.
In 2007 I travelled by bus with Clare people with Disabilities from Cork to Roscoff in West France and on to Strasbourg by bus.
In 2009 I decided to bring my PA who was Kathy Kilbane. When we decided to go we sat down and agreed that Kathy would look after tickets and accommodation and I would try and raise the funds.
I made contact with CIL in Dublin who was always helpful. It was through them that I got a grant for my trip. By the 11th September 2009 we had our ticket/accommodation/funds got, bags packed and a few extra Euros in my pocket it was “Strasbourg here we Come”

We travelled by air from Knock International Airport to Stanstead Airport and by train to St. Pancras, London where we stayed that night. We headed for Paris by Euro star in the morning to be treated to an English breakfast followed by a glass of Champagne. From there to Strasbourg by Train ò Grande Vitesse (TGV) – but no champagne on this train. We eventually got to the hostel Amélie Duroch CIARUS a place worth staying in with your PA and good food and very friendly staff, where we were to stay during our time there.

As Monday was free for anyone who decided not to attend the Conference in the European Youth Centre (EYC) we decided to pay a visit to the open market opposite the EU Buildings (someplace not to be missed). Back to hostel for a meal and a few drinks where we met a father and son and Miguel Fonseca (who became our friends) before going to our beds.

The trip was structured and on Tuesday 15th. Firstly at the European Youth Centre (EYC) al campaigners were formally welcomed to Strasbourg by Liz Taylor on behalf of the Council of Europe and representations from all countries that attended were given a chance to speak about their countries. We met with out Irish MEPS to discuss the petition and had a Q and A session. This meeting took place in the Parliament Buildings, Meeting Room N4.3 at 2pm. Inside were 12 MEP’s including the three from the Connaught region.

Wednesday was the day of the march. All Freedom Drivers met at Parc Du Commardes at 10am where tee-shirts were given to all participants, sponsored by the Norwegian Group, and marched from there to the Parliament Buildings a distance of 1.6 kilometres. It was very uplifting and I was proud to be there. All participants were singing “We shall overcome” and chanting and mildly protesting! So can you imagine the scene? Both myself and my PA were appropriately dressed in the Mayo colours and waiving the Red and Green flags of Mayo. The meeting was chaired by Richard Howitt, Chairperson of the European Disability Federation (EDF). Several members of ENIL New Member States had their voices heard such as Bulgaria and Lithuania. As the meeting was about to close the President of the European Union, Mr. Jerzy Buzek, was presented with the Eight Petitions by the President of ENIL Bente Skansgard and it was a meaningful and poignant exchange. The petition consisted of eight demands (8) which were compiled by European Network of Independent Living (ENIL) and the Centre for Independent Living Dublin (CIL Dublin). A total of 48 persons and their PA’s went from Ireland and were joined by 441 people from 21 countries from all over Europe to be there. Some took 3 days to get there you can imagine the strength of body and mind it took to do that?


Business done it was time for some fun, food and singing. We all made our way to the European Youth Centre (EYC) where some of the Irish contingency was staying. We had a Barbeque and some drinks, sponsored by Ireland and Germany, and generally exchanged our emails addresses with other Freedom Drivers.

Stansted Airport on arrival from Ireland didn’t have a lift available so the airline service personnel chair lifted me off the plane. As this was not a comfortable experience we asked that a lift be available when we checked in for return and it was. Although the service user is still required to transfer from evacuation chair to a window isle seat in row 3!!! Airline policy. In London busses were accessible but at the mercy of the Bus Driver! All black cabs in London are accessible it’s the law.

But in saying all this, there were no injury’s sustained and everything went as well as we could have hoped for?

Summery

I felt the organization by Barbora and Naoise with their workshops prior to going on last year’s trip was of great benefit to all the 49 Freedom Drivers from Ireland. Take bow girls!!
A lot can be learned by taking in the trip just to see how people with disabilities live in their countries and how our lives are no different either. Some might have a better PA service than others and there are people with disabilities out there that have no such service at all. But there is one thing and that is “we are all equal”
If you are thinking about going to Strasbourg for the first time next year my advice would be to start putting a few bob whenever you have it to spare and allow a few extra days to see the city of Strasbourg and its Cathedral and fine shopping and eating places and use their trams and busses and of course allow some time to visit the atmosphere in “Molly Malone’s, Brady’s and the Dubliner” and taste the Irish porter. I have my account getting bigger by the month.

Regards,
Tom

PS I have just been informed that my FACEBOOK account has been disabled?? Am upset as I had a lot of good friends

TOURISM FAILING PEOPLE

TOURISM FAILING PEOPLE
WITH DISABILITIES

Dear Editor,

Tourism is missing out on millions or euros annually, because its failure to cater for the needs of the disabled according to a survey carried out by the University of Ulster,“School of Built Environment” This can affect about 70% of the population. If one takes into factor the population of Ireland alone, the disabled community together with their families, friends and relations would be affected it also found out that while some tourist offices might be accessible, there is a lack of information about where disabled tourism can visit, stay or eat. The survey also found that while staff, at tourist offices was helpful, less than half could offer useful advice. Disabled visitors are left to hope for the best, the survey warned, it added that not only is it bad for the tourism, it is bad for business.

Many critics in Westport including myself have called on the tourist trade here to wake up to the fact that disabled tourists are lucrative customers. Research indicates that there are over 55 million people with disability resident in the European Union (E.U.) alone. That figure pointed to the potential size of the market. For disabled tourists facing into a journey, fear of the unknown is often a key element. Not been aware of the accessibility status of places and venues can easily undermine the will to travel.

The life of a disabled person such as I is effectively controlled by that of the able-bodied world. But what is the right of a disabled person? Are we safe having our lives structured, or can we also be leaders of such vital legislation? For tourists with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairment, what has a town like Westport, having the title of“Tidiest Town in Ireland” to offer the disabled. What is the point in dressing up and nowhere to go? By this I mean are the pubs, hotels, toilets , hotels, swimming pool, cinemas, public library, post office, B/Bs, restaurants, takeaways, GAA pitches heritage centre, parking facilities for disabled drivers/passengers and the public toilets.

Are the streets of Westport safe enough for disabled, especially when we read in the papers that owing to the state of some, Councilors had threatened to carry out repairs with their own monies? This is despite commitments following the DISABILITY ACT 2005, which is over 3 years old.

Westport Tourist Office is the only Tourist Office in Co. Mayo open the whole year, yet it is totally unaccessible for people with disabilities.


Have a person with a disability tried to book a room with a level access shower? Not easy is it. You call a hotel with a wheelchair sign in the guide and the conversation goes something like this: Do you have accessible rooms. If the answer is yes, do they have level access showers, the answer will range from “What do you mean to? Well it does have a ledge” to “No, but we do have baths and the room is wheelchair friendly. If you are lucky enough to get a positive reply and there is a level access shower the next question you might ask is “Do they have a shower chair. Silence for a minute, then this leads to another “What do you mean”. How difficult is it to understand that people who can’t walk or stand needs something to sit on in a shower, preferably a shower chair. And how are you supposed to get into a bath when your legs can’t work. You will travel the length and breadth of this country looking for a hotel with both a level access shower and a shower wheelchair.

So I decided to contact Failte Ireland which administers what it calls the Validated Accessible Scheme (VAS). This scheme is designed to encourage hotels to be more accessible to people with disabilities. VAS has 4 categories ranging from category 1, which is for people with enough mobility to walk into a room, to category 4, where the guest requires assistance to shower, etc.
Failte Ireland informed me that 29 Irish hotels have registered with the scheme, with only 6 qualifying for category 4. The Irish Federation has a membership of approx. 800 hotels. This would mean that at most 3.6% of their hotels are in the scheme and only 0.75% is qualified for category 4 an abysmal performance by our failte (welcoming) industry.
Why is the performance not better? Well first of all it’s a commercial issue. If a hotel doesn’t need to spend what ever little extra it costs to build a wheelchair friendly room why should they bother. But hold it there - surely we have legislation which requires hotels to provide specific facilities for the disabled. Answer to that is yes and no.“Legalisation???

I seem to have stumbled across one of the great Irish secrets. We don’t have adequate hotel facilities for the disabled. We don’t have enforcement legislation inspection or validation scheme to ensure tourists are given correct information. Once again the disabled have to look after themselves. The shame of it is that this so called successful society of ours simply does not have an interest in catering for people with disabilities because there isn’t a quick buck in it.

Thomas Chambers
Disability Campaigner
“The Billy Ranch”
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo

Polling Booths in Ireland

Disability Campaigner not happy with lack of accessible polling stations in the Mayo Electoral Area

Electors with Physical Illness or Physical Disability who have difficulty gaining access to their local polling stations may apply to have their vote transferred to a more accessible station in their constituency. This facility is intended to assist electors who find access to their local station difficult because of the situation or design of the building. This notice appeared in the Sunday World edition of the 25th May 2008, according to Disability Campaigner, Tom Chambers.

Notice was placed in Tuesday 27th May 2008 edition of the Mayo news advising that 17 polling stations in the Mayo constituency would be “inaccessible or pose difficulties for accessibility for those with disabilities” who wish to vote in the Lisbon Treaty on the 12th June 2008. Despite the fact that the 1996 Electoral Act provides that wheelchair accessible polling stations “shall “ be provided sufficient funding to enact this provision hasn’t been made available by the Government of the day.

In the light of this, alternative arrangements are been made by the County Register to allow disabled voters affected to vote at the nearest wheelchair accessible polling station. Considering that all of them are National schools this reflects particularly badly on the rights of the disabled in our education system, he said. In other words, we the disabled have to go in search of polling stations that we feel are accessible. White this is undoubtedly incontinence in rural areas; it is a greater burden for the disabled in more remote parts of the county.

However, progress has been made since the last election when 18 such polling stations (schools) were inaccessible to the disabled. But this is still not good enough, according to Tom Chambers who says the situations symptomatic of the lack of efforts’ to recognising the rights of the disabled. The lack of accessible polling stations needs to be highlighted to our public representatives who come knocking on our doors looking for votes to enable the disabled to exercise their constitutional right to vote in the same way as every other citizen. “Disabled citizens who do intend to exercise their rights to vote regardless of the blatant discrimination against them should be funded for the extra distance they have to travel to the nearest polling station, said Tom Chambers.


Finally, the European and local elections will be taken place in 2009 are we going to put up with the same thing again or are we going to make a stand for ourselves. By this I mean to boycott the election in 2009 if we can’t get a commitment from the people we propose to elect and represent us at all levels, said Mr. Chambers.

Wheelchair Jeet Kune Doo

Newport man pushes the boundaries to conquer yet another challenge


There’s something about Tom Chambers that enlivens the spirit. Wheel-chair bound since an accident in 1981, the Newport man’s spirit knows no bounds.
The sports fanatic has completed numerous marathons, pushed the wheels through countless races and inspired a multitude through his unyielding belief that anything is possible.
The big man was always active, playing football with his native Burrishoole in his youth and later lining out across the water in England.
Then a car accident in 1981 left him disabled but nothing could harness his love of life and ambition to push back the boundaries time and time again.
Tom never ceases to amaze, but his latest venture is even more interesting than usual. The Newport man has taken up Martial Arts.
Jeet Kune Do (The Way of the Intercepting Fist) now has a Newport exponent and Chambers is more than enthusiastic about his new achievement.

“If you always put limits on everything you do, it will spread into your work and your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.”

“It’s a method of self-defense for those of us with spinal injuries and it really works. I was delighted to get involved. I’ve met some amazing people and I’m learning new skills all the time,” Tom explained this week.
The well-known sportsman travels to the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire regularly to hone and perfect his skills and he loves every minute of it. “I’m really enjoying it, but it’s hard work too. We put in some very tough sessions and there’s nothing easy about it. We learn how to defend ourselves and that means learning the skills that might save our lives one day. Many wheelchair users have been attacked over the years and it’s a serious business,” he added.
One of the seminars which took place during the self-defense program had Andy Kimura as the guest instructor. Kimura, senior instructor at the Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute of Seattle is son of Taky Kimura, Bruce Lee’s closest friend and highest ranked student.
The course participants received a special personal message from Taky Kimura before his son took them through a day of very intense and rewarding work on the program.
Kimura even got into a wheelchair himself so that he could better understand the different balance requirements for wheelchair users.
Tom Chambers was especially commended for traveling all the way across the country to take part, but that was nothing out of the ordinary for the Newport man, his dedication and spirit has been surprising people for a generation.
The core principles of Wheelchair Jeet Kune Doo state that it’s “Better to hold and injure rather than just inflict pain.” The training sessions teach Chambers and his colleagues numerous movements and the deflection and minimization of the assailant’s power. It teaches defensive and then counter-attacking moves.
Chambers is enjoying every aspect of his new knowledge, but he is also aware that there are many new challenges out there for him to conquer. He can’t wait.

Special Injuries Ireland self defence programme modules

To be confident that you know how to protect yourself
Simple moves which will work for a person who uses a wheelchair
Understand the psychology of aggression and how to diffuse it
To know when and how to strike first
Understanding how to turn fear into a positive defense response
To have a self-defense mindset available if ever needed

Cllr. Keith Martin's letter and brick

Letter to the Editor

Posted: 27 Apr 2010 03:04 PM PDT

Dear Editor,



Now that a contractor has been appointed to construct the new Gaelscoil building on the Golf Course Road in Westport it is timely to remind ourselves of the facts relating to the selection of the site and the construction schedule since then.



Shortly after the local elections of 2004 my fellow councillors and I meet with a large deputation from the Gaelscoil who asked us as a council to lobby for a new building. I was present at that meeting and was able to give the parents and guardians my full support.



At a later meeting of the council there was unanimous support from all sides of the chamber for our council to proceed to lobby the government on a non-partisan basis for a new school.



When further assistance was requested from the school as to sourcing a suitable site for the school, Westport Town Council answered the call and identified a suitable site on council land on the Golf Course Road.



This proposal was put to the nine councillors for consideration and again in non-partisan approach councillors voted unanimously in 2005 to sell the site to the Department of Education to facilitate the building of the school.



In January 2006 the Department of Education gave the go-ahead for the architectural planning of the school and granted funding for the new ten classroom school with a completion date of mid-2007.



There it waited, in limbo, for two years in the stage of "advanced architectural planning" while the nine councilors of Westport Town Council joined all the other parties in lobbying for an actual date for a contractor to be appointed.



Imagine my surprise when, TWO YEARS later, Batt O'Keeffe, Minister for Education, held an unadvertised sod turning ceremony on the site weeks before the Local and European Elections of June 2009.



No contractor had been appointed, only the Cathaoirleach, the Fianna Fail members of Westport Town Council and a few representatives of the parents and staff of the school were invited.



The five other councillors from Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Fein, who had all lobbied and fought for the school, and who had voted to make the land available for the school were not informed or invited to this so called sod turning.



It soon was very, very obvious that this was just a pre-election political stunt and so, to highlight it as such, I pulled a political stunt of my own and posted the very same sod back to Minister O'Keeffe.



Despite a lot of spluttering and mock indignation from the Minister and his colleagues on Westport Town Council there was no contractor appointed. In fact when Batt O'Keeffe left office the Gaelscoil was no far along than it was before he was appointed.



This week I was wrapping a brick to post to Minister Mary Coughlan to celebrate the anniversary of my posting the sod to Minister O'Keeffe when I learned of the good news that, finally a contractor had been appointed, ONE YEAR after the so called sod turning.




If it were not for the guardians, parents and teachers of the school this project would never have happened, but it is important to remember that this project was facilitated greatly by the nine members of Westport Town Council, acting in a non-partisan manner.




It was a shame that the Fianna Fail's Minister, TD and local councillors sought to snub and ignore the role played by all nine councillors in serving their community. In my opinion it reflects poorly on them even now.



As for my brick, its still wrapped up and if the school is not delievered on time I will use it as I see best to get the job done.




In the meantime I look forward to the REAL sod turning, with a contractor!



Yours sincerely



____________

Cllr Keith Martin

Leas Cathaoirleach

Westport Town Council

Submission on Smarter Travel for Westport

Thomas Chambers
The Billy Ranch
Knocknageha
Newport
Mayo

Submission on Smarter Travel for Westport
Monday, October 26, 2009

Dear Ms. Moore,

I would like to stress how important it is that the disabled be kept informed and consulted in relation to all works affecting us. Our motto is “Nothing about us, without us!”

I welcome this public submission process and I would like to make the following points in relation to the project.

Ensure all developments take into account all potential users including youths, schoolchildren, working people, families, elderly people and disabled people
Lower speed limits in the town to 30k mph to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Lower speed limits on the approach roads to the town to 50kmph to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Erect signage throughout the town raising awareness of other non-motor road users
Hold educational workshops and campaigns informing motorists that they must share the road with pedestrians and cyclists and safety measures to do so
Lobby the driving test centres to incorporate 'Sharing the Road with non-motor users' into their test
Build a proper bus terminal perhaps in the Mill St. / High St. car park and connect it to the Train station via the Railway line walk.
Lobby for commuter friendly Bus Eireann times
Lobby for the commuter train to run from Westport to Castlebar to Claremorris
Improved bus links with Knock Airport.
Lobby for improved bicycle transport on all public transport systems
Erect sheltered bicycle racks at the Railway and Bus stop
Develop rural transport schemes giving people that live in the countryside the opportunity to leave their car at home.
Develop a shuttle bus service from Westport town to the Quay
Extend footpaths to all urban areas so that at least all houses within the designated urban area can walk safely to town
Improve the Murrisk cycle way to ensure it is used properly.
Improve cycle rack in Murrisk car park
Ensure safe walking and cycle paths exist to all schools
Ensure safe road crossings exist close to all schools (note a pedestrian crossing should be erected on the Castlebar road allowing students to cross to the Gaelscoil and to Rice College)



Tom Chambers

Airport charges - new rules could mean cheaper flights

Airport charges - new rules could mean cheaper flights
Transport - 21-10-2008 - 17:10


Airports and their charges: 69 airports could be affected©BELGA_MAXPPP_GERARD LAUNET
Airport charges are one of the hidden costs of flying and usually they are passed on from airlines to passengers. Wednesday evening sees MEPs debate whether to support a proposed directive which aims to set common rules for how charges are calculated. It could affect Europe's biggest airports and help introduce more competition between them.
Its supporters also believe it could lead to fairer and clearer ticket pricing. This debate - due to be held in Strasbourg - can be seen live on Wednesday evening from 9pm.
At present airport charges are invariably passed on to passengers. The final price for flyers can include charges to cover air passenger duty, local airport taxes, passenger service charges, fuel costs and security and insurance costs.
MEPs on the all-party Transport Committee have already indicated their backing for the directive. The drafted report indicates that the committee would like the directive applied to the largest airports in each country and those who have over 5 million passengers a year. At present this would affect 69 airports including ones such as Amsterdam and Palma de Mallorca.
MEPs would also like to see independent bodies set up to adjudicate disputes between airports over fees.
"Passengers will be protected from exorbitant charges"
The man who drafted the report is German Socialist Ulrich Stockmann. He told us that: "Passengers will be protected from exorbitant charges for landing and takeoff ... charges can also be differentiated according to environmental criteria such as aircraft noise which will also produce benefits for the citizen."
Air charges can include..
• Local airport taxes
• Fuel costs
• Security costs
• Passenger service charges
At the moment, large airports are able to dictate to individual airlines the charges they have to pay for the use of the airport infrastructure. At present airlines do not have a real choice to move away from the big airports.
Charges for disabled excluded
Such charges need not necessarily bear a direct relation to the quality of the services provided. In practice, airlines are forced to pay whatever charges the airport has determined and will usually pass these costs on to the passenger. Charges for disabled and other people who have mobility problems will be excluded from the scope of the directive. The report also calls for incentives for new routes to outlying regions of Europe. The hope is that this will help them access both people and trade. Europe's Transport Ministers meeting in the Council have already made a commitment to accept a further series of parliamentary amendments if tabled at this the second reading.

Facebook | Terri O'Callaghan's Links

Facebook | Terri O'Callaghan's Links

Ireland’s first tourist kiosk launched in Westport 5/5/2009

8th October 2009
Dear Editor,


I am writing to you to draw your attention to the Tourist Information Kiosk at Westport Quay.

The idea of an out-of-hours facility for visitors is a fantastic one which ensures that Westport does not miss out on potential tourism and makes staying in Westport easier than ever.

However there is an even greater potential for towns like Westport in the possibility of attracting an un-targeted 10% of the population who have a disability. By making Westport a disability-friendly tourism town there is a great potential for increased tourism even in this recession.

But first we need to work on making access to the town a priority and importantly we need to make the Tourist Information Kiosk at Westport Quay accessible.

Unfortunately there is no ramp adjacent to the Kiosk making it inaccessible for those of us in wheelchairs and those with mobility problems such as some senior citizens. It is over 100 metres to the nearest ramp and this cannot be called accessible.

Also the Kiosk needs some internal adjustments as the phone cannot be comfortably be used from a wheelchair, and there is no provision of a flip down seat for others. There is also a lack of tactile paving and it is not colour coded to make it easier for the visually impaired. To benefit visually impaired people, a telephone should be selected which have well lit keyboards, large embossed or raised numerals that contract in colour and luminance.

A tactile telephone symbol should be placed outside an accessible telephone kiosk. Instructions for using telephone should be clear and displayed in a large easy to read typeface. Induction couples should be fitted to enable people with hearing aids to use them. The telephone should be identified by the appropriate symbol adjacent to the telephone or outside the kiosk. Preferably, telephones for use by disabled people should be located to enable wheelchair users to approach and use the phone from the front and the side. If it it raining it is imposable to use the phone the front or side as there is no protection from the rain unlike the location of the able-bodied phone and a knee hole is needed at least 500mm deep to enter from the front.

A fold down seat 450mm-50mm high or a perch seat 650mm-800mm high should be provided for the convenience of ambulant people. Politicians and Communities who strive to make environment accessible to all are demonstrating their desire to offer the population a good quality of life and provide people their opportunities to develop, both social and personally. It should also be remembered that it is the Politicians who are responsible for public spending. In this respect, making environment accessible has a direct effect on public spending. But it is a great start and with a bit of work it could be the first step in a Westport which welcomes tourists from all over the world to a disability-friendly Westport.


Finally, proper accessibility makes towns more attractive for the people who live in them and for potential visitors (tourism) I have followed the discussions about accessibility since the late eighties, many enthusiastic and passionate things have been said and written. The fact remains that we still cannot claim that the town of Westport is accessible for all. Representatives of those in our community with issues such as mobility and access are only too delighted to work with councils and organisations in making our community accessible for all. We are entitled to be consulted and our motto is “Nothing about us, without us!”


Sincerely Yours

Thomas Chambers
Access Campaigner
Knocknageeha
Newport
Co. Mayo

IS WESTPORT TOWN SAFE TO VISIT????

On the 26th September 2009 while in Westport I decided to have a drink in the “West Bar” in Bridge Street a bar that I have known to have an occasional drink since 1982 while visiting the town.

At approximately 3pm that day I ordered a pint of beer from a barman. He half-filled the glass with drink when the barrel went dry so he tried to top it up with beer straight from a fresh barrel and handed it out to me and as I felt it was not filled properly I refused the pint.

Another man who I believe was the owner said “Give me the drink and I will sort him out” and they both were muttering with their backs to me. He slapped the drink on the counter and grabbed 4 euros I had left on the counter and gave back the change.

I tasted the drink and it smelled very sour and said so to him. It was then he grabbed the pint and tipped in into the sink. Turned to me and said “Get to Fuck out of here and take your sour puss with you”

I took a deep breath and wheeled my wheelchair out the door disgusted and angry and been approximately 70 years of age I ask you is the town of Westport SAFE especially after a member of the Garda stabbed a few weeks ago.

Campaigners Warn Lack of Disabled Access Looses Retailers Thousands

Campaigners Warn Lack of Disabled Access Looses Retailers Thousands
Campaigners have warned that retailers are loosing thousands of pounds every year due to insufficient access for disabled people.
Disability Wales is currently compiling a report into the issue, the campaign, Streets Ahead, has been running since November 2008 and the report is due to be published in September. Disability Wales hopes that the report will influence decision makers at the Welsh Assembly and at Westminster.
Some of the difficulties that disabled people face include lack of drop kerbs, narrow and uneven pavements, a lack of step free access, narrow isles and lack of disability awareness training.
In an interview with Wales Online, Disability Wales policy officer Rhyan Berrigan said that:
“If shops were more accessible disabled people would be more likely to shop there.
“We want to make retailers aware that people have money to spend and if they can access the shop they’re likely to return there again and again.
“In general there’s quite a negative attitude from shop keepers about the issue, which we believe is because of a lack of awareness and a lack of training.”
Disability Wales isn’t the only group that is concerned with the lack of disabled access. Richard Jones, Principal Consultant of Accessible Wales, said that:
“As a both a person with a disability and also a disability consultant I advocate positive access. The improvement of access within town centres should go a long way to boosting trade that is already struggling. I would be proud to see that people with disabilities can shop in the local town centres as opposed to visiting large out of town retailers. Accessible Wales completely backs the “Streets Ahead” campaign and will do anything we can to enhance the awareness of good access.”

[Back to top]
Stephen Hawking To Make A Full Recovery
Professor Stephen Hawking was taken into hospital on Monday 20th of April after falling very ill. However, a statement on his official site on Tuesday states: ‘Professor Hawking is being kept in for observation at Addenbrooke's hospital this morning. He is comfortable and his family is looking forward to him making a full recovery.’

A Cambridge University spokesman said Hawking was still having tests for a condition that was not related to his respiratory infection, and was not life threatening.

Hawking began to develop the symptoms of incurable motor neurone disease in the 1960s. Motor neuron disease causes the nerves that control muscles to steadily decay; this has led to Hawking gradually losing the use of his limbs and voice which has resulted in Hawking using a wheelchair and being reliant upon a computer screen and a voice synthesiser to communicate. Hawking is one of the world's longest-surviving MND patients.

[Back to top]
The Equality Bill
The Equality Bill is just days away from being presented before parliament. If the Bill is passed then there will be major changes for the disabled community.
The Bill aims to make Britain fairer through a single equality, which will require public bodies to consider the diverse needs and requirements of their workforce, and the communities they serve, when developing employment policies and when planning services. The Bill will try to tackle the discrimination that people face and promote disability equality, racial equality, age equality, gender equality and equality for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities.
For the disabled community the Bill will try to improve conditions through a verity of ways. One of these is through changing employment tribunals in order to allow them to make far wider recommendations that will improve policies not just for the individual but for a larger group of people. The Bill will also make it possible to pave the way for class-action discriminations claims which will allow an entire workforce can be represented in court by groups such as trade unions or the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
In addition, the new Equality Bill will mean that Positive Action can be used by employers. This will make it possible for employers to take under-representation into account when choosing between two equally qualified candidates for a job. Positive Action is supported by the CBI, the TUC and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, as a means of producing workforces which are more diverse and more reflective of the communities they operate in.
According to the website www.equailtybill.com:
‘Of all the groups represented by the Equality Duty, the disabled are those most likely to encounter benefits in their day-to-day lives. Whether it is drop-down kerbs for wheelchair users, or sign-language provision for the deaf, public bodies will be under a duty to provide and promote Equality in every decision they make.’

[Back to top]
Asda to Sell Living Aids
Seventy five Asda stores will start selling living aids aimed at disabled and older people on Saturday. Fifteen products are currently being stocked including folding wheelchairs, walking sticks, urine bottles, tap turners, raised toilet seats, jar and bottle openers and easy handle pens. The products will sold under the name Mobilease which has been devolped by businessman Dermot McLaughlin and is registered with the MHRA who have responsibility to ensure that medical devices work and are acceptably safe.
Until now, mobility aids have only been available on prescription through the NHS or social services, independent stores or specialist websites and newspaper or television adverts.

In an interview with Disability Now, Mr McLaughlin said that:
'The mobility and living aids industry has been stuck in the dark ages for decades.

'The very products that are created to make life easier for people have been cursed by a strange irony - they are unnecessarily difficult to access.

'They should be easily available to customers, but the existing government system can be slow and restrictive.'
Pamela Martin, Senior Buyer for ASDA, said:
‘Mobilease products are incredibly important for a large number of our customers and we're delighted to be the exclusive retailer. Our 17 million customers a week identify ASDA as a retailer that is constantly looking to offer value in all areas of our business and this new offering supports this wholeheartedly.’
If you are interested in buying any of the Mobilease products you can find out where they are being stocked by visiting the Mobilease website, www.mobilease.co.uk.

Do you think this a positive move? Will you be buying any of the Mobilease products?
Get in touch with us by emailing info@access-news.co.uk or via the Facebook group.
[Back to top]
Bouncers Mistake Cerebral Palsy for Drunkenness
Matty Thompson claims that he was refused entry into a pub after the bouncers mistook his cerebral palsy for drunkenness and was then verbally abused.
Matty, 18, was out with his friends and sister Katie, 20, when the bouncers told them that Matty wasn’t allowed into the pub because he was drunk and couldn’t walk. Katie then explained that Matty has cerebral palsy which affects the way he walks, but the bouncers asked for a medical card to prove this and then continued to radio other pubs nearby to tell them not to let Matty in.
In an interview with the Mail Online, Matty’s mother Jenette Thompson said: 'I'm absolutely outraged. They just can't treat people with disabilities and learning difficulties like that and call him names.

'He was very upset about it. He told me he was called names. It's sheer ignorance on their part.'
In the same interview a spokesman for Scope, the national disability charity which focuses on cerebal palsy, said: 'A disabled person should not be denied access to any premises or facilities because they are disabled.

'Disabled people have the same right to go into pubs and clubs as anyone else.
'More needs to be done to get the public, and especially those who work in customer service, to truly understand and appreciate difference so that discrimination against disabled people becomes a thing of the past.'

What do you think of this? Have you had any similar problems?
Get in touch with us at info@accessble-news.co.uk or via our Facebook group.

[Back to top]
Labour MP Claims That Dyslexia Does Not Exist
Labour MP George Stringer recently claimed that Dyslexia was a piece of ‘cruel fiction’ to disguise bad teaching in schools.
Dyslexia is a condition that is thought to affect approximately six million people in the United Kingdom. People with Dyslexia have difficulties in reading, spelling, and short term verbal memory. Current medical suggests that theses difficulties arise due to inefficiencies in language-processing areas in the left hemisphere of the brain which appear to be linked to genetic differences.
Despite this, Stinger believes that ‘If dyslexia really existed, then countries as diverse as Nicaragua and South Korea would not have been able to achieve literacy rates of nearly 100%.’
He added that ‘Certified dyslexics get longer in exams. There has been created a situation where there are financial and educational incentives to being bad at spelling and reading. This reached a pinnacle of absurdity, with Naomi Gadien, a second-year medical student initiating a legal case against the General Medical Council because she believes she's being discriminated against by having to do written exams.’
Stringer feels that teachers are failing to educate students who find reading and writing difficult, and have therefore ‘invented a brain disorder called dyslexia.’
Due to his claims many leading Dyslexia charities have criticised Stringer. In an interview with the Guardian, Shirley Cramer, chief executive officer of the educational charity Dyslexia Action, said: ‘It is frustrating that the focus should be on whether dyslexia exists or not, when there is so much evidence that it does.’
What is your opinion? Is Stringer justified in his view?
Email us at info@accessble-news.co.uk
[Back to top]
Waiting for Independence
On March 6th Dragon’s Eye reported on the shocking case of Lewis Walker. Lewis is a 3 year old boy who has Cerebral Palsy and his parents were told that he may have to wait two years until he can receive a specialist motorised wheelchair. Last August, Lewis was put on a waiting list to be assessed for a chair but, he still hasn’t been assessed and therefore he cannot get the chair that he needs.
Lewis’s mother, believes that the lack of the wheelchair is seriously affecting Lewis’s quality of life as he needs the chair for things like school and for his independence. She told Dragon’s Eye that: “It's pretty disgusting really that kids have to wait. It's not just kids, it's adults as well. It's just wrong really. These kids only get one chance in life and they're not getting it without a chair."
In January 2009, the Caernarfon Denbigh Herald reported the case of Llinos Parry. Llinos also suffers form Cerebral Palsy and she has been waiting since November 2007 for a new wheelchair but hasn’t even been assessed. However, she has been promised a new chair by March.
According to the statistics that North Wales NHS Trust told Dragon’s Eye:
• 44 children are waiting 0-6months
• 25 children are waiting 6-12months
• 5 children are waiting 12-15months
• 1 child has been waiting 20 months for an assessment

North Wales NHS Trust argues that the reason that there are delays in patients receiving wheelchairs is because, until recently, they were not given enough money from its’ commissioner, Health Commission Wales. North Wales NHS Trust has also told the BBC that they are working to ensure that no child is waiting longer than a year to receive an assessment.
Accessible News Web Editor and disability rights campaigner Richard Jones had the following to say on the matter: “It is an absolute disgrace that children with disabilities have to wait so long for their basic human rights. A wheelchair is a pair of legs to these children. Why should they be starved of their independence, freedom… of their childhood. This problem should be rectified as a matter of urgency as it is another case of the authorities letting people with disabilities down.”
[Back to top]

Bouncers Mistake Cerebral Palsy for Drunkenness

Bouncers Mistake Cerebral Palsy for Drunkenness
Matty Thompson claims that he was refused entry into a pub after the bouncers mistook his cerebral palsy for drunkenness and was then verbally abused.
Matty, 18, was out with his friends and sister Katie, 20, when the bouncers told them that Matty wasn’t allowed into the pub because he was drunk and couldn’t walk. Katie then explained that Matty has cerebral palsy which affects the way he walks, but the bouncers asked for a medical card to prove this and then continued to radio other pubs nearby to tell them not to let Matty in.
In an interview with the Mail Online, Matty’s mother Jenette Thompson said: 'I'm absolutely outraged. They just can't treat people with disabilities and learning difficulties like that and call him names.

'He was very upset about it. He told me he was called names. It's sheer ignorance on their part.'
In the same interview a spokesman for Scope, the national disability charity which focuses on cerebal palsy, said: 'A disabled person should not be denied access to any premises or facilities because they are disabled.

'Disabled people have the same right to go into pubs and clubs as anyone else.
'More needs to be done to get the public, and especially those who work in customer service, to truly understand and appreciate difference so that discrimination against disabled people becomes a thing of the past.'

What do you think of this? Have you had any similar problems?
Get in touch with us at info@accessble-news.co.uk or via

Hybrid Car Pose Potential Threat to Hearing Impaired

The ministry for transport in Japan has brought together a panel to assess whether manufactures of hybrid cars will have to install noise making devices.
The hybrid cars make almost no noise when they change from fuel to battery and this poses a potential threat to people with visual impairments. Due to this the panel is considering forcing manufactures to install noise making devices.
In an interview with the BBC, a transport ministry official said, “Blind people depend on sounds when they walk, but there are no engine sounds from hybrid vehicles when running at low speed.”
The world’s most popular hybrid car is the Toyota Prius. A spokesman for Toyota Motor in Tokyo, told the BBC that although Toyota has no immediate plans to add noise-making devices to the hybrid vehicles if it becomes a social concern, it is something that Toyota will have to address.

Disabled man to climb Croagh Patrick

Disabled man to climb Croagh Patrick in aid of Haiti charity
Mayo Advertiser, August 07, 2009.
Michael Corbett has not walked since a car accident left him a quadriplegic in 1975. However, this did not stop the man from Newport from wishing to climb one of his county’s highest peaks — Croagh Patrick.
Now as part of a drive to raise funds for new charity Haven, building homes and hope in Haiti, Michael’s dream is coming true. His friends, June Kerrins and David Ellis are both signed up as volunteers with Haven and will be travelling to Haiti at Halloween to build homes for the poorest people in the western world.
They decided to combine their fundraising efforts and Michael’s wish into a charity event, Mick’s Climb 2009. On Sunday August 16, a team of at least 40 walkers will take on the Reek.
“This is a great way for us to raise funds for Haven — a new charity building homes for those who literally have nothing in Haiti,” said June Kerins, “and to also help our friend Michael achieve something he has not done since he was a teenager.”
Michael will have to be carried all the way by stretcher — one specially made to be able to endure the high impact climb up the 764 metre (2,510 feet) high mountain. It is approximately three miles to the summit, with a particularly gruelling last 250 metres. The entire six mile return journey is likely to take up to 10 hours for Michael and the team.
“The last time I was on the Reek was 30 years ago, well before my accident,” said Michael, who works with the Disability Foundation. “I would not be able to do this without the help of the team of 40 who will be carrying me in relays up and down the mountain.”
All have been in training since the beginning of June. The team includes a contingent from the Defence Forces and great local support from the Westport region, where June, David and Michael are based. Many of the team have lost their jobs recently as a result of the recession, including Haven volunteer David Ellis.
“While many people like myself are feeling the pinch of the recession it is nothing compared to the people of Haiti, with more than three-quarters of the entire population living below the official poverty line of $2 a day,” said David.
Anyone interested in supporting Mick’s Climb can contact the team via their own website www.havenhelpus.com. Donations can be made securely online through a link to Haven’s official website www.havenpartnership.com
June and David need to raise a minimum of €4,000 each in order to take part in Haven’s Build it Week in Haiti at the end of October. They will be part of a 250-strong volunteer team who will be building houses in a rural part of Haiti, the poorest country in the western world.

‘You feel you are being told you’re not welcome’

By Jennifer Hough
Saturday, July 18, 2009

IT is a sad day for people with disabilities in Ireland.

Martin Naughton, who suffers from a physical disability and works for the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), maintains if implemented, the McCarthy report signals a mammoth step back for people with disabilities.

"I am still trying to digest everything. If you look at the bare cut, €50m, it looks as though we got away lightly but when you take everything as a whole there are cuts all over the place."

Mr Naughton, who has his own home and a job but still requires full-time support, feels the proposals would undo years of hard work to integrate disabled people and treat them equally.

For him, the symbolic proposals hurt more than the monetary.

Under the board’s recommendations the office for Mental Health and Disability would be removed from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and placed under the remit of the Department of Health.

For Martin, this is the ultimate betrayal.

"The social model approach to disability for the past 10 years was that people with disabilities should be supported to live like everyone else."

One of its major underpinnings was that disability reform came through the Department of Justice, that was a huge and logical boost. It was a move away from being pitied and blamed. "Most people may not realise but disabled people are often very healthy," said Martin.

"I feel sorry for any parent who has a child with a disability today. It is a struggle and the more you fight the more frustrated you can become."

The DFI says it is concerned about a recommended cut of €50m in funding to voluntary disability organisations, the €60m reduction to the funding of special needs assistants and the 5% reduction in the rate of disability allowance.

Allen Dunne, head of the DFI says the cuts are of "immense" concern as funding for disability services has already been cut repeatedly over the past two years, a process which began before the current recession was evident.

"The harsh reality is that there are still substantial unmet needs, and people with disabilities are already very vulnerable. Therefore their capacity to survive repeated knocks is very limited," she said.

Similarly, Inclusion Ireland slammed the cutting of front-line disability services such as psychologists and special needs school transport.

On the ground, Martin knows the pain this will cause – even just the suggestion.

"If you are a parent with a child with a disability, and you hear about teachers being cut back, you just feel you are being told ‘you are not welcome here’. It is telling people with disability – find somewhere else to go. It is very hurtful."

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Saturday, July 18, 2009

Read more: http://www.examiner.ie/ireland/you-feel-you-are-being-told-youre-not-welcome-96652.html#ixzz0Law2QiY3

Early Bird Trains

The CEO of Irish Rail, Mr Richard Fearns, has confirmed to Labour's Cllr Keith Martin that Mayo will be serviced by additional services to Dublin, one of which will be an early bird train which will have commuters from Mayo in Dublin by 8.50am. In his letter to the Labour councillor Mr Fearns said that the new service will begin on September 27th.

Cllr Keith Martin, who has lobbied continuously for the service, has warmly welcomed the news saying "This is great news for Westport and Mayo. We now have greater connectivity as a region and as a tourist town.

"In these terrible economic times this new service is vital to Mayo as we compete for business, investment and strengthen our tourist appeal. The service will facilitate Mayo's 125,000 population in connecting with the world and will make Mayo an easier place to get to.

"The new early bird service has great potential for tourism and for business as it means it is even easier than before to get to and from Mayo from Dublin and to make other train and travel connections such as flights and ferry connections. It is great news for the West."

In February of this year, in response to a unanimous resolution proposed by Labour's Cllr Martin, Westport's Town Clerk wrote to all of Mayo's Local Authorities and Chambers of Commerce soliciting their support for the campaign. The campaign received the full support of Westport Chamber of Commerce, Castlebar Town Council and Castlebar and Ballyhaunis' Chambers of Commerce.

The campaign was begun by the Council in light of Irish Rail's failure to provide a date for the promised extra rail services on the Dublin-Mayo line. These additional services were to include an early bird service.

Cllr Martin concluded saying he wanted to thank all the councillors, councils and chambers of commerce who lent their support to Westport Town Council's campaign.


086 0691182

I need your help please

Re; Sponsorship Opportunity – Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2009


My name is Thomas Chambers, I am participating of the Strasbourg Freedom Drive campaign organised by the European Network on Independent Living and the Centre for Independent Living, Carmichael Centre, Dublin 7. The Centre for Independent Living is an organisation supporting people with physical disabilities in order to achieve independent living.

The Independent Living movement is a world-wide community fighting for equal rights, opportunities, choices and responsibilities of disabled people around the world. It is indeed a very strong European movement liaising with MEPs since 2003.

Strasbourg Freedom Drive is a lobbying campaign attended by people with disabilities from all Europe aiming to establish a relationship between the participants and their national Members of EU Parliament. It is a unique lobbying exercise happening every second year since 2003. A rally on the building of the EU Parliament takes place as well and usually results in a meeting with the Disability Intergroup.

The Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2009 will take place in Strasbourg from 14th September to 18th September. All participants of the campaign have to cover the costs related to the trip to Strasbourg individually by fundraising or out of their own pocket. This is especially difficult task during the economic downturn Ireland is facing at the moment.

I would like you to consider supporting me and my Personal Assistant in participation of this year’s rally as in any way you can.

For more information about the campaign, please visit the following website:

http://www.dublincil.org/eu_&_international.html


Thank you for giving this your consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

……………….
Tom Chambers

US visitors put off by high costs

Friday July 03 2009
My wife and I just returned from our third trip to Ireland in five years. Each time we rented a car, stayed in B&Bs, ate in pubs and restaurants, took tours to the Aran Islands, the Skelligs, the Saltees and such, and did some shopping. In US dollars, petrol is $6.50 a US gallon. B&Bs cost an average of $58 per person per night. The least expensive cup of coffee I found was in a community centre and was $2.00 (It was usually $3 to $4). It is difficult to eat adequately in a pub for less than $20 per person and that doesn't include drinks. A pint of Guinness was around $6.50 in most pubs.
Overall, I would estimate that Ireland is about double the cost of making an equivalent trip in the US, and this doesn't take into account the round trip airfare which was approximately $1,000 per person. Even if the US dollar was equal to the euro, Ireland would still be expensive.
We love Ireland; however, until prices become more reasonable vis-à-vis the dollar, I'm afraid that we will not be back any time soon. I venture to guess that many other Americans feel the same.
As tourism is at the top of the Irish economy, the cost of touring Ireland could become a serious threat.
VC Joffrion
North Carolina, USA

US visitors put off by high costs

Friday July 03 2009
My wife and I just returned from our third trip to Ireland in five years. Each time we rented a car, stayed in B&Bs, ate in pubs and restaurants, took tours to the Aran Islands, the Skelligs, the Saltees and such, and did some shopping. In US dollars, petrol is $6.50 a US gallon. B&Bs cost an average of $58 per person per night. The least expensive cup of coffee I found was in a community centre and was $2.00 (It was usually $3 to $4). It is difficult to eat adequately in a pub for less than $20 per person and that doesn't include drinks. A pint of Guinness was around $6.50 in most pubs.
Overall, I would estimate that Ireland is about double the cost of making an equivalent trip in the US, and this doesn't take into account the round trip airfare which was approximately $1,000 per person. Even if the US dollar was equal to the euro, Ireland would still be expensive.
We love Ireland; however, until prices become more reasonable vis-à-vis the dollar, I'm afraid that we will not be back any time soon. I venture to guess that many other Americans feel the same.
As tourism is at the top of the Irish economy, the cost of touring Ireland could become a serious threat.
VC Joffrion
North Carolina, USA

THE CORN CRAKE by Pat Watson

THE CORN CRAKE


When we were young in the nineteen fifties we used to discuss what the birds said. We could never agree about the black bird, the thrush or indeed any other songbird but we all knew what the corncrake said. He went 'grake grake, grake grake, grake grake' and everybody knew that meant, stand back, stand back, stand back. At that time there was a corncrake in every field in Ireland. At this time there was a certain young girl who had just turned sixteen and she had her mother annoyed to let her go to a dance in the town but there was no way her mother would agree as she did not have a chaperone and towns fellows were not to be trusted.

Then luck struck. The local GAA club hired a big tent in which to run a carnival for two weeks and it was close by the girl's house. Now she could go dancing. She cycled to town and bought a lovely piece of material and a pattern. The material was spread
out on the kitchen table, the pattern carefully spread on top. There was great excitement. The mother was jitterier than the daughter. They had just got in the electricity. They had a brand new singer sewing machine. We will put in shoulder pads and you can wear your new bra. I will lend you my black patent belt to match the shoes; sure it would go twice round your little waist.'

These were modern times. For the moment meals were suspended. The men could grumble and wait. Oh it was wonderful, Harry Belafonte was singing on the wireless,
'I see woman on bended knee, cutting cane for her family,' 'Well God be with the days.' 'I see man by the waterside, casting nets at the surging tide.' 'He might as well be, as looking for a bit to eat round here.' In spite of those unhelpful remarks and a few minor glitches the needlework classes paid off, the project was successful and the dress was completed. Now for the hair! All hell broke loose.

After tea, her mother rolled her hair on her
finger and held each curl in place with a pipe
cleaner. It took ages and was sometimes painful
but there were no complaints. You have to suffer
to be beautiful.

Next day, when the pipe cleaners were removed the
hair brushed out perfectly. On the night when she
put on the multi-coloured dress over the new bra,
with the shoulder pads and the patent belt, she
was beautiful. Even the hungry grumblers agreed.

'Mammy' she said, 'what is it a Gra?' (Love)
'If a boy wants to walk me home after the dance, will it be alright?'
'I suppose as the place is well lit up and if he is a nice respectable country boy, it will.'
'Mammy.' 'What is it now child?' 'If the boy wants to kiss me will I let him?'
The mother thought for a moment, her mind was racing, racing back to her own youth, her dreams, her dilemmas, her desires, 'You can if you both agree to obey the corncrake and when he calls stand back you're to stand back.'

As it happened, the boy who walked her home on the night was a friend of mine and next morning I waylaid him. 'Well how did you get on?' 'How did I get on?' says he, with some agitation. 'I'll tell you how I got on! You know as well as I know that the sweet girl lives only a hundred yards from the marquee, and I walked her home all
of five miles but we never did get away from the blooming corncrake.'

'The Corn Crake' is one of sixty lyrical yarns from 'Original Irish Stories' by Pat Watson, Creagh, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Ireland. First published in May, 2006.
To get your copy email the author here:

National News Home

By Tom Brady Security Editor
Tuesday June 30 2009
GARDAI will scale down the massive security presence at the Shell pipelaying project by the end of the week.
Some 300 gardai and two Naval Service vessels have been deployed at Glengad to keep the peace during the crucial phase of the work involving the pipelaying ship, the 'Solitaire', at Broadhaven Bay, Co Mayo.
But with the shore work due to be completed on Sunday night, it is expected that the 40 to 50 'peace camp' protesters will dwindle significantly in the coming days.
None of those detained yesterday are from the local area and their protests did not interfere with the Shell project. However, they caused severe disruption to residents, who had to take detours to reach their homes.
One protest involved the demonstrators lying in star formation in the middle of the road with their arms encased inside two pieces of piping and then joining hands while chained with snap shackles.
Specially-trained gardai were brought in to free the protesters, using equipment such as angle grinders, without causing any harm.
The three-hour operation to remove the demonstrators from the road ended at 1am yesterday -- four hours after the latest pipelaying phase had ended.
Taxpayers have paid €15m so far in garda overtime to police the project.
Nine protesters were arrested by gardai following two other roadblocking demonstrations at the weekend. They appeared in Ballina District Court at 5.30pm yesterday. Two were released on bail and the others were remanded in custody until Friday.
- Tom Brady Security Editor

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) chairman

By Caitrina Cody
Thursday July 02 2009
ROAD safety tsar Gay Byrne yesterday admitted to drinking and driving in the past but said it was part of the Irish culture at the time.
He also confided he used to regularly drive home while over the limit, sometimes after presenting the 'Late Late Show'.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) chairman made the surprising admission as he continues to campaign for responsible driving.
Great
"I remember the days when I drove home from the 'Late Late Show' late at night -- the great thing in those days was to have a drink or two, or three, in the green room with the guests to thank them for coming and all that," he said.
"Undoubtedly I was over the limit, night after night, until at some stage I was told by the controller of programmes that I wasn't to drive myself home from the show anymore, drunk or sober," recalled Mr Byrne.
The former RTE presenter said his behaviour would have been viewed as perfectly acceptable back in the 1980s.
"Certainly 10 years ago, perhaps even five years ago, if you told your pals that you had had 17 large brandies last night and drove yourself home -- just about making it through the gate -- you probably would have been clapped on the back for it."
Mr Byrne was announcing details of a new six-month RSA campaign to promote road safety when he made the comments and said that Ireland is currently undergoing huge cultural changes.
"I believe that most people in Ireland are trying to be safer," he said.
"Many of us thought nothing about drinking and driving back in the day but that is definitely changing."
He said Irish drivers are now more conscientious about not drinking and driving.
Culture
"It's a huge adjustment for this country and shows that you can change a culture, slowly but surely."
Mr Byrne said when he looked back now he was grateful he never hurt anyone.
"Thank God I got away with it -- thank God that nothing ever happened to anyone," he said.
"It was simply the done thing then and nobody ever thought twice about it. They told you to take care, but not that you shouldn't be doing it."
Nowadays he says that he is lucky that his wife chooses not to drink alcohol.
"I'm blessed with a wife that has no interest in drinking and is prepared to do the driving for both of us."

Inaccessible schools highlighted

MONDAY, 08 JUNE 2009



Edwin McGreal

WITH ten polling stations in Mayo listed as ‘are either inaccessible or pose difficulties for accessibility for those with disabilities’, Mayo disabled rights campaigner Tom Chambers has highlighted the problems these can create for children with disabilities.
“The ten stations listed are all national schools and while it brings up a big issue for people in those areas with a disability who want to vote, it brings up an even bigger problem for children who may have a disability in going to their local national school.
”At the minute there might be no children in those locations with disability issues but what happens if a young child comes to school age with a disability? They will have to go to another school and forsake their local school. Immediately they feel different,” said Chambers.
“It also brings about major problems for their parents in terms of time, bringing their children to a school which is not the nearest to their house. Politicians running for election need to take a more active role in making these schools accessible.”
There has been an improvement in accessibility since 2004, the last local elections, when 38 of the 240 polling stations were inaccessible. But, says Tom Chambers, this still isn’t good enough.
“Funding has been allocated but where has it been spent? We need to make every school/polling station accessible. It is not a lot to ask. Close to 10% of people in Mayo have a disability. They should not have to be inconvenienced like this.”
For the record the ten schools declared as inaccessible are Meelickmore, Ballycusheen, Shrule and Robeen (all Claremorris area); Currane, Carrowteigue, Doohoma (all Achill/Erris area); Rooskey and Barnacahogue (both Swinford) and Lecanvey (Westport area).

Disabled man gets €3k over egg attack by rail staff

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Ireland: Windy with sunny spells and showers »



Tuesday, June 16, 2009

A WHEELCHAIR user had an egg thrown at him by disgruntled rail staff, angry that he had to use the dining car when travelling on the train.

William Hennessy, who is in his 40s and now living in Dublin, was awarded €3,000 by the Equality Tribunal after it was found he had been harassed by staff attached to Network Catering on Irish Rail.

Mr Hennessy told the tribunal that a change in the regulations in 1999 meant he could no longer park his wheelchair in the baggage area of the train.

He had to park his wheelchair in a designated spot in the dining car, but as he needed a motorised wheelchair, which is larger than a manual wheelchair, space was tight and his wheelchair often jutted out into the aisle.

In addition to being refused access to the train on a number of occasions, Mr Hennessy said in the dining car he came to feel maligned by staff members who believed he was taking up space that might have been used by customers.

He said the service trolley was rammed into his wheelchair as it moved past, and staff would ask him to move, even though they knew he needed assistance.

On April 27, 2000, he exited the train at Kent Station in Cork and an egg was thrown at him from the direction of the dining car.

The Equality Tribunal said it was "an undisputed fact" that an egg was thrown after Mr Hennessy left the train on April 27, 2000, and that he ultimately received a written apology.

Irish Rail was ordered to display a visible notice that "passengers with disabilities are welcome to travel and enjoy the amenity of the train without interference".

Mr Hennessy welcomed the tribunal’s decision but said "the award will not even pay for one" wheel- chair damaged on the train.



This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Albania – Women and Girls with Disabilities

Albania
Women in Albanian society are still being subject to discrimination. Women and girls with disabilities represent one of the most marginalised groups and subject to multiple discriminations. Unfortunately, little or almost nothing is said about the reality of their lives ant the policy framework of the country is failing to include, treat or provide solutions to elimination of this discrimination.
Women with disabilities are not being treated equally with other women. All laws and strategies about people with disabilities fail to include the gender perspective component and there are no efforts being made in relation to the gender equality. Women with disabilities do not have a voice in the formulation of government documents and policies. There is also lack of organisation of women with disabilities themselves.
In order to enhance the awareness of central and local institutions, non-for-profit organisations and all stakeholder groups in the areas of disability and gender equality, Albanian Disability Rights Foundation, supported by US Agency for International Development, organised the first national conference on the Human Rights of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Albania. The conference took place in Tirana on 26th May 2009 and was attended by many representatives of governmental institutions and the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (this Department also supported organisation of this event).
A report compiled by the Albanian Disability Rights Foundation called “Women with Disability in Albania – Included or Neglected?” was launched at the conference and thee set of recommendations was presented. This report is available in CIL Carmichael House

Corrib protesters gear up for summer of unrest

Mayo Advertiser, June 05, 2009.
By Toni Bourke

Tensions in north Mayo have escalated once again with eight arrests over the weekend and one on Tuesday when a large number of protesters gathered for the summer Rossport Peace Camp. With the Solitaire due to arrive back in Mayo waters in the next month, the Rossport Solidarity Camp has taken up residence in Glengad in a bid to build up the resistance to Shell over the coming weeks and months. Mary Sweeney of the Rossport Solidarity Camp said: “Resistance in Mayo is building again. We’re expecting many waterborne activists from across Europe to arrive over the following weeks. The Solitaire will leave Irish waters once again with no pipeline laid.”

While Shell to Sea claim over 200 people from the local community and the Rossport Solidarity summer camp gathered at the weekend to attempt to dismantle Shell’s compound at Glengad, the gardaí have the figure at just over 100.

Seven men and one woman were arrested and brought to Ballina Garda Station for public order offences. Gardaí on duty in the area were backed up by the Public Order Unit who were confronted by the protesters. The eight have been charged and are due to appear before Belmullet District Court on June 10.

These actions came the day after Maura Harrington was released from jail for the non-payment of fines.

On Tuesday a man was arrested after dredging work in Broadhaven Bay was delayed by up to an hour. According to Shell to Sea the dredgers arrived in the bay on Monday evening and had been working continuously through the night. Two Shell to Sea protesters occupied a crane on the ‘Razende Bol’, one of the dredging boats preparing a channel for the off-shore pipeline in Broadhaven Bay. Work on the dredging was completely halted. The other dredger and its accompanying sea barge were moved out of the immediate area.

The same evening a group of 12 Irish Flotilla canoeists evaded the security powerboats and two police ribs protecting the works and reached the side of the vessel. They climbed aboard and gained access to the dredging arm where they sat for 10 hours. On Wednesday they ended their protest.

IBEC West Regional Director John Brennan has said the controversy surrounding the project has meant the regional and national significance of the project is being overlooked.

“Ireland is 90 per cent dependent on imported gas. Power plants fuelled by natural gas generate more than 60 per cent of our electricity. This makes us highly reliant on gas supply from other countries. Ireland is at the end of a very long supply chain, which exposes us to risks of supply interruption and price volatility. If anything were to occur that disrupted this supply, we would have a serious energy crisis in this country. Many tend to overlook the fact that the Corrib gas field will supply up to 60 per cent of Ireland’s gas needs at peak production,” Mr Brennan outlined.

EU North West candidate Fiacra Ó Luain has offered his support to the protesters saying he will defend them in anyway he can. He challenged the other candidates in today’s election to make public their policies with regard to Ireland’s off-shore oil and gas.

All this comes in the same week that TV3 aired a documentary by journalist Paul Williams about the Corrib controversy. In it Fr Kevin Hegarty highlighted the financial investment the Shell project has brought to Erris while adding that the protesters only represent one per cent of the local community. Paul Williams himself and Chief Superintendent Tony McNamara spoke of the paramilitary style damage that was caused at the terminal this year. Dublin Shell to Sea have dubbed the documentary as “shockingly biased”.

Hotels and the Disabled

Tuesday, 19 May 2009
“For disabled tourists facing into a journey, fear of the unknown is often a key element. Not being aware of the accessibility status of places and venues can easily undermine the will to travel.”


Tom Chambers

TOURISM is missing out on millions or euros annually, because of its failure to cater for the needs of the disabled according to a survey carried out by the University of Ulster, ‘School of Built Environment’.
The survey found that while staff, at tourist offices was helpful, less than half could offer useful advice. Disabled visitors are left to hope for the best, the survey warned and it added that not only is it bad for the tourism, it is bad for business.
Many critics in Westport, including myself, have called on the tourist trade here to wake up to the fact that disabled tourists are lucrative customers. Research indicates that there are over 55 million people with disability resident in the European Union alone.
That figure points to the potential size of the market. For disabled tourists facing into a journey, fear of the unknown is often a key element. Not being aware of the accessibility status of places and venues can easily undermine the will to travel.
The life of a disabled person such as I is effectively controlled by that of the able-bodied world. But what is the right of a disabled person? Are we safe having our lives structured, or can we also be leaders of such vital legislation?
For tourists with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairment, what has a town like Westport, having the title of ‘Tidiest Town in Ireland’ to offer the disabled? What is the point in dressing up if there is nowhere to go? By this I mean are the pubs, hotels, toilets, swimming pools, cinemas, public library, post office, B and Bs, restaurants, takeaways, GAA pitches, heritage centres, parking facilities all universally accessible?
Westport Tourist Office is the only Tourist Office in Co Mayo open the whole year, yet it is totally inaccessible for people with disabilities.
It can be so frustrating. Ask any person with a disability if they have tried to book a room with a level access shower? Not easy, is it?
You call a hotel with a wheelchair sign in the guide and the conversation goes something like this: ‘Do you have accessible rooms?”’ If the answer is yes, the next question is ‘do you have level access showers?‘.
The answer will range from ‘What do you mean?’ to ‘Well it does have a ledge?’ to ‘No, but we do have baths and the room is wheelchair-friendly’.
If you are lucky enough to get a positive reply and there is a level access shower the next question you might ask is ‘Do they have a shower chair?‘.
Silence for a minute, then this leads to another ‘What do you mean?‘. How difficult is it to understand that people who can’t walk or stand needs something to sit on in a shower, preferably a shower chair. And how are you supposed to get into a bath when your legs can’t work. You will travel the length and breadth of this country looking for a hotel with both a level access shower and a shower wheelchair.
So I decided to contact Fáilte Ireland which administers what it calls the Validated Accessible Scheme (VAS). This scheme is designed to encourage hotels to be more accessible to people with disabilities. VAS has 4 categories ranging from category 1, which is for people with enough mobility to walk into a room, to category 4, where the guest requires assistance to shower, etc.
Fáilte Ireland informed me that 29 Irish hotels have registered with the scheme. The Irish Federation has a membership of approximately 800 hotels. This would mean that at most 3.6% of their hotels are in the scheme .
Why is the performance not better? Well first of all it’s a commercial issue. If a hotel doesn’t need to spend what ever little extra it costs to build a wheelchair-friendly room why should they bother? But hold it there - surely we have legislation which requires hotels to provide specific facilities for the disabled?

Tom Chambers is a wheelchair bound disability campaigner who lives in Newport.

Almost half of those living with arthritis in the west are ‘too sore to socialise’

Mayo Advertiser, May 01, 2009.
By Toni Bourke
The first nationwide survey on patient wellbeing and relationships, conducted by Arthritis Ireland and sponsored by Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals (Ireland), shows almost one in two (45.8 per cent) people with arthritis can no longer participate in social activities they used to enjoy, while one in three (31.3 per cent) are worried about how their condition has affected their appearance. The survey, which was conducted among 128 people with arthritis in seven rheumatology clinics around the country throughout 2008, shows the debilitating effect of arthritis on people as everyday life becomes difficult or impossible to maintain.
The survey gives an insight into the emotional wellbeing of people in the west with arthritis, revealing that one in three (32.7 per cent) say they are sad and depressed while two out of five (40.8 per cent) admit that sometimes it is hard to keep going and that their arthritis is a constant worry for them. One survey respondent declared: “I feel like arthritis has changed me from a normally positive, healthy, person to a depressed, lonely, fed-up, irritable person finding it hard to keep it together.”
Respondents who were in relationships discussed the impact that their arthritis has had on their relationship. Over one in three (35.7 per cent) believe their condition has had a negative impact on intimacy with their spouse or partner, with some stating they no longer have an active sex life. One survey respondent said: “We no longer have an active sex life but cuddling is also a bit curtailed which I regret.” Noticeably, for those respondents who are separated, divorced, or living apart, one in two (50 per cent) believe their arthritis was a contributing factor to their relationship break-up.
In response to the survey findings, Arthritis Ireland has produced a free support booklet entitled Coping with Emotions which offers support and advice on dealing with the emotions that accompany a diagnosis of arthritis. It is available by contacting Arthritis Ireland on LoCall 1890 252 846 or can be downloaded on www.arthritisireland.ie. Arthritis Ireland also provides a confidential helpline for people with arthritis, their families, carers, friends, and health professionals. It can be contacted from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday on LoCall 1890 252 846.

Castlebar man disqualified and fined for parking in disabled spot

Castlebar man disqualified and fined for parking in disabled spot
Mayo Advertiser, May 01, 2009.
A Castlebar man who parked in a disabled space while he went to visit relatives was disqualified from driving for six months and convicted and fined €500 at Ballina District Court on Tuesday.
Garda Melanie McGowan received a report on October 21 2008 at 6.15pm that a Honda van was parked in a disabled spot outside houses in Healy Terrace, Ballina. On arrival at the scene, Garda McGowan observed that no disability badge was displayed on the van before she spoke to the owner of the car, Brian Lawrence, 95 Manor Village, Castlebar.
Lawrence told the garda that he was visiting a relative and parked in the spot, which is for a disabled woman who lives in the houses nearby.
The unemployed man was convicted, fined, and disqualified by Judge Mary Devins. Recognisances were fixed.

Wreath laying to mark May Day and Michael Davitt

Friends and supporters of the Labour Party watch as Cllr Keith Martin and David Fallon of the Westport Labour Party lay a wreath at the Michael Davitt memorial on the Newport Road, Westport to mark May Day and the contribution of Michael Davitt to the Labour movement.

Ballina councillors question work on disability plan

Mayo Advertiser, May 01, 2009.
By Colm Gannon
While welcoming a report on the disability strategic plan for Mayo County Council at their monthly meeting last week, a number of Ballina councillors raised concerns about the work being done outside public buildings in relation to disability issues in the town.
Fianna Fáil Councillor Johnny O’Malley told the meeting: “Myself and Cllr Peter Clarke were elected to a committee before in relation to disability issues after the last local elections, but the committee have never met. I’m a bit surprised by this plan and how it doesn’t take into account other things in the council’s control, like paths, dipped crossings, audio pedestrian crossings, and car parking spaces, even to ensure the provision of disabled toilets under planning permission. I would also like to think that we would be able to develop a plan where we would plan to put in both Braille and audio books in our libraries for people with a particular need.”
Sinn Féin Cllr Peter Clarke echoed his fellow councillor’s disappointment that the committee never met. “I’m very disappointed that this committee we were appointed to has never met. I have gone out with Tom Chambers, Newport, a disability campaigner and walked through the streets of Ballina and got him to point out things in the town that are not accessible or hard to access for disabled people. Which there are many.” Cllr Clarke also asked the town council if there was a disability audit for the town and if it would be made available to the councillors. He was told later in the meeting there is an audit and it would be given to the councillors.
Cllr Mary Kelly told the meeting: “I welcome the plan but there is still an awful lot of work to be done, we have to ensure that there is no discrimination against people because they may be disabled. But I am disappointed that it has taken from November 2006 to now to get where we currently are with this report. We have to ensure that we have housing that is accessible for disabled people so they can live comfortably. Great credit must be given to those people who are out there every day campaigning on behalf of those with disabilities.”
Fianna Fáil Cllr Padraig Moore also expressed his disappointment that two of his fellow councillors had been appointed to a committee that had never met. “I’m frustrated and confused to hear that two of the councillors have been appointed to a committee that has never met and will not meet before this council ends. I’m also frustrated that this is the result of three years work and we have so much more to do.”