Labour Councillor John Pratt, has called on all local authorities to take action and make public spaces more accessible and autism-friendly.
The call comes as World Autism Day took place earlier this week on Wednesday, April 2.
“Too many neurodivergent people and their families face barriers when trying to access public spaces, from sensory overload to a lack of quiet zones and inadequate facilities. Labour is calling for a nationwide commitment to ensuring towns, cities, and villages meet the needs of autistic people,” Cllr Pratt said.
According to the councillor, public spaces in Waterford and across the country must be inclusive to the greatest extent possible.
“Many neurodivergent people and their families struggle with everyday activities that should be accessible to all – from shopping to using public transport or simply enjoying community spaces. Sensory overload, unclear signage, and a lack of quiet areas can make public places overwhelming. We shouldn’t have to wait for piecemeal progress. It’s time for local authorities to step up and make these necessary changes,” he said.
NATIONAL STRATEGY
Fellow Labour councillor, Thomas Phelan stated that in marking World Autism Day, we must acknowledge that creating autism-friendly spaces is just one step towards realising the rights of neurodivergent people.
“Too often, decisions are made without consulting those most affected. Local authorities must actively engage with neurodivergent people to understand what changes will make the biggest difference,” Cllr Phelan said.
Labour is calling for a national strategy to support local authorities in making public spaces autism-friendly.
According to the West Waterford councillors, this must include dedicated funding for essential improvements such as sensory-friendly areas, clear signage and staff training.
These measures, they state, should be implemented in consultation with the neurodivergent community, ensuring real, meaningful change that reflects lived experiences.
“We’ve seen excellent examples of autism-friendly initiatives across Ireland, but we need to see more towns and villages following suit. Becoming an autism-friendly community requires all sectors of society to come together. Businesses can play their part by introducing quiet shopping hours or training their staff. Schools and community groups can lead by promoting understanding and awareness. This must be a collective effort. On World Autism Day, Labour is calling for urgent action to ensure that no one in Waterford or beyond is excluded from public spaces,” Cllr Phelan concluded.
