Blue sky day for wheelchair users on Kerry beaches

TWO ‘Hippocampe’ wheelchairs have been provided for blue flag beaches’ Inch and Ballinskelligs with Ballyheigue beach next on the list. The chairs are designed for easier access to beaches and the longterm aim is to have more chairs available at beaches countywide in the future.

Kerry County Council purchased the chairs through support funding from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and their easy movement on uneven, soft sand is due to their balloon-like wheels. However, wheels cannot be self-propelled and users are required to have someone to assist them.

The chairs are free of charge and can be booked in advance for three hour time slots. Users will be asked to complete a booking form and present a valid photo ID.

Cllr Terry O’Brien is Service Coordinator with the Irish Wheelchair Association and he welcomed the chairs, describing them is a great initiative, adding that he hoped more will become available in the years ahead, while Director of Services with Kerry County Council, John Breen, said the wheelchairs will allow wheelchair users an opportunity enjoy beaches in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

The chairs are available through July and August from 12pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday and from 11am to 7pm at weekends. To make a booking for Ballinskelligs, contact 087 296 5874 or for Inch, call 086 266 3186.

Photos by Valerie O’Sullivan Teresa O’Sullivan, left, and her sister Hanna O’Sullivan and Mum Kathleen O’Sullivan, from Portmagee, on Ballinskelligs Beach on Monday to test the specially adapted beach Hippocampe wheelchair, designed to make it easier for beach users with a...