Plea made to make 'essential' appointment in Kilkenny
The matter was discussed at May’s county council meeting
Deputy Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Maria Dollard, has urged Kilkenny County Council to secure funding for the appointment of a dedicated, full-time and adequately resourced Access and Inclusion Officer.
The Green Party councillor argued the matter should not be viewed as a specialist issue but “an essential part of good public service.”
The city-based representative also voiced her backing for the Irish Wheelchair Association's (IWA) ‘It’s No Joke Campaign’.
The campaign is a national initiative by the IWA, highlighting the everyday accessibility barriers people with disabilities face in communities across Ireland.
Cllr Dollard claimed there is a critical need for a ‘dedicated professional’ in every local authority to improve disability access to public services and amenities in our communities.
The local councillor has been a long-term advocate of rights for people with disabilities.
Previously, Cllr Dollard slammed the CIE and Irish Rail for their continued failure to operate a lift.
“This motion calls on Kilkenny County Council to prepare a report on additional measures it has taken to enact the provisions of the Disability Act 2005, in the last 5 years, and this report to be shared with councillors and disability groups in the County,” the motion added.
According to Ms Dollard, there is a “lack of accountability” as it stands, and the appointment of a disability access officer would provide a “single-minded contact” that would ensure concerns are addressed swiftly.
"A fully accessible county benefits everybody, including older people, parents with buggies and individuals with temporary injuries. Accessibility should not be viewed as a specialist issue but an essential part of good public service,” she continued.
“Appointing a full-time access officer demonstrates the council’s commitment to equality, inclusion and creates a more welcoming and independent environment for all citizens and ensures no member of the community is excluded because of disability,” the local councillor concluded.
The motion received wholesome support from both Cllr John Coonan and Cllr Joe Lyons.
“I think we need more equality and to protect people’s rights,” Cllr Lyons commented while seconding the motion.
“Looking around the chamber, we’re all able-bodied people, but I think people who have someone in their families that have a disability will understand the issues that arise and the hardship in families,” he added.
“We do recognise we have a part-time access officer who has done a good job, but it’s impossible as a part-time access officer to do the complete job, never mind in Kilkenny,” Cllr John Coonan stated.
“We should aim for whatever is possible and whatever source is possible to appoint a full-time access officer to ensure the job is done properly on behalf of everybody, including those that need access; that's our aim.”