Stricter regulation needed of disabled parking bays
THE mobility challenges for the disabled and people with post polio were highlighted at the monthly meeting of Louth County Council.
Dundalk man Brendan Moore, a volunteer with the Post Polio support group spoke to the council on a range of issues, specifically funding for services, and the need for stricter regulation of disabled parking bays
He revealed that the group nationally have about 7,000 members, with around 200 survivors of polio in the Louth area.
The support group are facing challenging times, he added, with reduced funding, and they came before councillors seeking help with funds.
He added that concerns about the abuse of disabled parking pays was growing, saying ‘polio survivors can have very limited mobility, and if you come up to parking space that’s filled by someone without a blue badge, it’s very difficult.’
He added that as traffic wardens do not patrol on Sunday, it is a regular occurrence for the disabled bays to be used by able bodied drivers. ‘I think it would be useful if signs were put up on these bays, indicating they were ‘in use by people with disabilities.’
Cllr Maeve Yore thanked Mr. Moore for raising accessibility issues, ‘and the needs especially for accessing travel, such as taxi’s.’
Cllr. Conor Keelan added, ‘it has been a very valuable presentation today, especially on the accessibility issues. Vulnerable people are in need of our support.’
Cllr. Mark Dearey also paid tribute to Mr. Moore, for ‘raising awareness about these issues.’
Cllr. Emma Coffey added ‘Organisations like yours are the ‘ hidden heroes, with the voluntary work that you do.’
Cllr. Kevin Meenan said the group should contact councillors in early 2017 to enquire about funds from councillors allocations that could be donated to the post polio group.
Brendan added that during World Polio Week, October 21st to 28th, major public buildings around Ireland, including An Tain in Dundalk will be lit up with blue lights to raise awareness of the condition.