Interactive communication boards primarily aimed at the elderly and individuals with disabilities will be introduced at public parks in Clare should funding be obtained.

In order to “help with accessibility for people with disabilities and elderly people,” Cllr Ann Norton (IND) requested Clare County Council to install communication boards at amenities including Lees Rd and Vandeleur Gardens.

She cited the example at Min Ryan Park in Wexford which has already acknowledged people’s restrictions relating to language and has offered an alternative method of communicating using symbols, gestures and pictures.

Siobhán McNulty, a director within the Social Development Directorate of Clare County Councl believed Norton’s suggestion would be a “welcome addition”. “We will seek a funding stream to pilot a site and trial this initiative. That said the premise of these boards is that they are interactive and given current COVID-19 restrictions we would not be in a position to commence a pilot at this time,” she committed.

“We can however look at a pilot whereby the communication board could be in the form of a downloadable QR Code which individual users can use on their own smart phone/tablet,” McNulty added.

Cllr Norton responded, “I’m aware that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, it is something that maybe next year we should be looking at. A communication board is geared around people with speech impairments or very little communication”.

Support for the motion was voiced by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG). “We are trying to increase biodiversity in Tim Smythe Park”. He felt there should be an encouragement to make the facilities “worthwhile” for all members of the population.

Praise for a “very proactive” County Council was expressed by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). “We’re lucky that we have such an inclusive local authority. Any of the suggestions brought forward, I presume the Council will learn from them”.

Related News

helga himmelsbach ballyvaughan protest
Tourist charged with dangerous driving causing death of 71 year old
bothár na rinne shannon
Council pushed to 'expedite' improved design for Bóthar na Rinne
weights gym
Shannon worker and qualified fitness instructor escapes jail for drug dealing
gearoid mannion tom o'callaghan tommy molloy 1
'It is buying votes' - new departure for GMA in Ennis MD criticised
Latest News
clare v dublin camogie 26-03-23 ciara grogan 1
Clare drop down to Division 1B
bothár na rinne shannon
Council pushed to 'expedite' improved design for Bóthar na Rinne
clonlara v kiladangan 19-11-23 aidan moriarty 1
Clonlara & Newmarket-on-Fergus victorious in second round of Clare Cup
weights gym
Shannon worker and qualified fitness instructor escapes jail for drug dealing
gearoid mannion tom o'callaghan tommy molloy 1
'It is buying votes' - new departure for GMA in Ennis MD criticised
Premium
gearoid mannion tom o'callaghan tommy molloy 1
'It is buying votes' - new departure for GMA in Ennis MD criticised
Shannon Heritage Workers Protest at Bunratty Folk Park-5776
Surplus solution prompts councillors to row back on claims Flynn was breaking rules with GMA spend
paul bugler tony killeen darragh mcallister páraic mcmahon 1-2
The Electoral Chair - Varadkar's Earthquake / Clare's political climate / Standout councillors & those stepping away
clare v down 24-03-24 dermot coughlan
'We didn't have a go' - disappointment as ferocious Down keep Clare in Division 3
rabbit doll
Husband & wife secure Protection Orders against each other following 'rabbit row'

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Scroll to Top