Corcoran Kennedy supports the launch of the Irish Wheelchair Access Guidelines

Fine Gael TD for Laois/Offaly, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, has emphasised the importance of access for people with disabilities as she launched the Irish Wheelchair Association Access Guidelines Edition 3 in Tullamore yesterday (Wednesday).

“ This is the third edition of the Access Guidelines and although a lot has been achieved in relation to providing disability access to homes and public buildings, there is still more to do.

“Earlier this year, The Building Control Amendment Regulations came into operation; these regulations outline the statutory requirements and obligations relating to the design, build and completion of a building.

“I am sure that the regulations that came into action will make a significant difference to people with disabilities and their families. However, the boundaries are always changing and the Irish Wheelchair Association recognises that further improvements can be made.

“With the help of their members, the Irish Wheelchair Association has put together a third edition of the Access Guidelines to again improve standards.

“The main problems identified include public toilets which are often too small, parking bays that do not provide easy access to footpaths, paths that are too narrow for wheelchairs, limited or inadequate viewing areas for wheelchair users at public events and no sound or sight enhancement facilities to assist people with visual or hearing impairment.

“There are a lot of people in Offaly and Laois who are affected by these measures. Many older people become dependent on wheelchairs making it necessary to modify homes at a high cost. It is infinitely better that we are making accessibility a part of the planning process, making it more cost effective and benefiting an increased number of people.”