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06 Sept 2025

People with disabilities in Kilkenny unite as they voice local concerns

Local people with disabilities have had their say on local issues that matter to them

People with disabilities in Kilkenny unite as they voice local concerns

Reporter:

Reporter

27 May 2024 10:57 AM

Accessibility and housing issues dominated discussions at the Local Election Hustings, hosted by Irish Wheelchair Association, at their premises in Kilkenny City this week, Thursday, May 23.

Attended by eight local election candidates, the event gave people with disabilities the opportunity to have their say on the issues that matter to them, and to let those seeking election know about the issues impacting them.

Cllr John Coonan (FF), Cllr Maria Dollard (Green Party) Sean O'hArgain (Labour), Toluwani Akaehomen (Independent), Mark Farrell (Sinn Fein), Aoife O'Brien (Sinn Fein), Martin O'Neill (Social Democrats) and Luke O'Connor (Irish Freedom Party) all attended the event.

The hustings was chaired by Joan Carty, National Head of Advocacy with Irish Wheelchair Association who commented: "It’s important that people with disabilities are part of the conversation in the run up to polling day on June 7.  This platform gives candidates the chance to outline what they will do to improve life for people with disabilities if elected but also gives our members the opportunity to advocate for the issues that really affect them."
Stacie Power spoke on behalf of the Disability Action Group within IWA that organised the event and stated: "If you are in a wheelchair and you are on High Street and if you have to go to the toilet you have to go the whole way up to McDonagh Street for toilets that still aren't accessible for someone using a powerchair. This is hard to believe in 2024!"
John Grace, Irish Wheelchair Association member spoke about the concerns people with disabilities have trying to vote telling candidates.
"We have access issues when it comes to voting. There is not access to some polling stations and the polling booths are not the right height for people with disabilities," he said.
Members of Irish Wheelchair Association also questioned the decisions of the council not to include wheelchair accessible parking within the new library facilities.

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