*Photograph: John Mangan
A Shannon councillor has led the call for wheelchair swings to be added to playgrounds to make “all children feel welcome”.
Installation of a wheelchair swing at the playground in Shannon was requested by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) in a recent motion to the Shannon Municipal District. She appealed for a source of funding to be obtained to carry out the proposal.
“We really should have our playgrounds all inclusive and this would go a long way to making all children feel welcome,” McGettigan outlined.
Senior executive engineer, Aidan O’Rourke confirmed in response that the proposal would be progressed “with a view to identifying a suitable location and obtaining prices for such an installation with a source of funding to be identified”.
Speaking at the meeting, the Belfast native stressed the importance of fostering a spirit of inclusivity at amenities in the county and acknowledged that children with sensory issued would need a specific playground. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND).
