‘WHEELY’ CHALLENGING TEST
Three Drogheda councillors had their eyes opened to the difficulties experienced by disabled people who use a wheelchair or walking aid, in a three-day experiment organised by the IWA.
Access Awareness Challenge ‘’A day in the life of a person with a disability’, was organised by the Drogheda branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association and saw Cllrs Kenneth Flood, Frank Godfrey, Richie Culhane, who are all able-bodied, take to the streets in wheelchairs and with a rollator (wheeled walking frame).
They all found it a challenge and made them appreciate how difficult conditions can be on our roads and footpaths.
“I travelled from the Cement Road, along Boice Court, down Mell and along West Street and Shop Street to make it back to the IWA centre in Mayoralty Street,” explains Cllr Kenneth Flood.
“It was my first time in a wheelchair, and there was such a slope on some of the footpaths, there was a lack of control of speed, and I spent a lot of time trying to slow down. It was scary.”
Like the other councillors, the cracked and damaged pavement made it hard to traverse the streets, and obstacles like wheelie bins and parked cars on footpaths made life more difficult.
“I’m glad I did it but it was very stressful, and I will be able to lobby the council more to repair or replace paths, as they can’t argue they don’t need to be done.”
Mayor of Drogheda Frank Godfrey used a wheeled mobility walker (rollator) to make his way from the train station to the North Quays.
“Even though we have made great improvements in uneven surfaces in recent years, clearly there is more to do to make Drogheda wheelchair and buggy friendly,” said the Independent councillor.
“I have to commend the IWA in Drogheda for this campaign, and I found the cracked and uneven footpaths and potholes difficult not only for people with disabilities, but the elderly and people with young children. Cllr Richie Culhane also took part in the awareness campaign organised by the local branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association. Campaign coordinator Nicola McDonnell said it was a great success.
“I know some of them were amazed at what our members have to put up with on a daily basis, and hopefully it will bring about some changes or improvements,” says Nicola.
“It’s not just the state of the footpaths and roads, but also other access problems like getting onto buses and on and off crossings that can be difficult, and campaigns like this can highlight issues that can be easily fixed.”