*Cllr Tony O’Brien. Photograph: Martin Connolly
A Killaloe councillor has implored Clare County Council to make all of Ballycuggeran Amenity Park suitable for universal access.
In a motion tabled to the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Tony OโBrien (FF) asked that all of Ballycuggeran Amenity Park โbe made accessible to facilitate people with disabilitiesโ. His request was seconded by Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) and supported by Cllr Alan OโCallaghan (FF).
Funding has been applied through the Department of Rural and Community Development via the CLAR grant programme โto provide general upgrades,โ acting senior executive officer Morgan Lahiffe confirmed.
Lahiffe continued, โShould grant aid be realised, the issue of universal access will be to the fore in any works proceeding including upgraded paths and disability friendly beachesโ. Dedicated universal access spaces are due to be installed at the car park in Ballycuggeran, he outlined.
During increased use in recent months, Cllr OโBrien revealed that โpeople with disability werenโt able to access the full amenity parkโ. He highlighted that improved universal access was โnecessaryโ at โa major tourist attractionโ.
โIt is necessary that everybody is able to access the facilities. The facility is there, rather than saying if we donโt get funding that we put something in the car park, I donโt think it would cost a whole pile to have an extra bench or widen the footpaths. We are a Council of inclusiveness and accessibility,โ OโBrien added.
A more prominent position is needed for the Councilโs sign reminding people to bring their rubbish home, Tony felt, โit is not seen by ninety percent of people visiting the facilityโ.
Further support for the motion was voiced by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), โAccessibility a very important issue. Ballycuggeran gets big crowds in fine weatherโ.