For people with a disability, having access to parking outside local services and amenities is central to them being able to avail of these services, and this is something Glenroe councillor Lisa Marie Sheehy is campaigning for.
Following representations from constituents about the lack of disability parking in towns and villages, Cllr Sheehy challenged Minister Shane Ross on the matter.
Through a parliamentary question, she asked if there is a policy, whereby when footpaths are being updated that disability accessible ramps and designated parking spots could be included in the plans, and if there are specific funds for the local authority to provide disabled parking spaces in the rural towns of County Limerick.
peaking in Ballylanders, where she says there should be a disabled parking space between the central amenities such as the shop, Post Office and Church, she said that this situation is replicated in many towns and villages across the county.
“There needs to be a disability parking space at the centre of the services,” she told The Avondhu, adding that she is now campaigning to get policy put in place so that there is dedicated funding for these parking spaces, as they need to be a priority.
“There needs to be an accessibility budget.”
Cllr Sheehy is also starting clinics this week and will be available on the first Thursday of every month at the following times and locations; at Ballylanders Daycare Centre between 9am and 9.45am, at Glenroe Parish Hall between 10am and 10.45am, at Fitzgerald’s Bar and Guesthouse in Kilmallock between 11am and 11.45am and in Kilfinane Market Square between 12 and 12.45pm.
She will also be announcing upcoming clinics in Cappamore, Caherconlish and Murroe.
