A REVIEW of all existing accessible car parking spaces in the Ennis Municipal District is ongoing.
An addition of a slope from the existing footpath height to ground road level was requested by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) for the disabled parking space outside St Francis Credit Union in Ennis. He said such a move would ensure “easier mobility for the public concerned”. He also sought a review of all “disabled spaces” in the Ennis MD “ensuring easy access is provided”.
Staff in the Ennis MD recently inspected “the issue at the universally accessible car parking spaces” outside the Credit Union, acting senior executive engineer Paddy Tiernan confirmed. Such issued had been due to be rectified before Christmas but were impacted by a lack of resources.
Tiernan stated, “Ennis MD can also confirm that, where required, existing accessible car parking spaces will be upgraded over the next few months. The majority of this upgrade work will involve the re-painting of existing accessible spaces. Where necessary additional dropped kerbs will be installed to ensure ease of access from vehicles to footpaths for those with mobility issues.
Accessible parking “is essential,” Cllr O’Callaghan stressed. “It was brought to my attention, it is no harm for all of us to get feedback, the Credit Union had a mobility vehicle which couldn’t get onto the footpath. I welcome the reply and the fact you will review all disability spaces”.
Clare County Council treat accessible parking and mobility for people with disabilities “very seriously,” Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) acknowledged. “I wish that Paddy can get this job done as fast as possible, people with disabilities shouldn’t be faced with anymore issues”.
Ennis is an age friendly town, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) flagged. “We often bring up these issues in the Chamber, I’m delighted to see positive works being done,” she said.
Concluding the discussion, Cllr O’Callaghan commented, “We’re all on the same page, we’re all so busy trying to drive on and develop that we sometimes forget the most vulnerable. The reply has been positive”.
