Events

You are here: Home > Events > Opening of Disability Area

Opening of Area Designated for People with Disability

By Jonathan Meaney

All photos © Mark Crowley

On Friday 23 May, Castlemartyr and Mogeely Community Council held the official opening of the brand new wheelchair-designated area located on the bank of the Kiltha River opposite Shortt’s Bar in Castlemartyr.

A gazebo was put in place with the fear of rain, but it turned out to be a cloudless evening, as the sun shone on the strong number of local people who came along to celebrate this momentous occasion for the village.

As part of the celebrations on this pleasant summer evening, Castlemartyr Church Choir gave a joyous performance, with a rendition of ‘Good Night Sweetheart’, as delighted members of the community listened appreciatively by the bank of the Kiltha River. The appropriately named Kiltha Tones choir also performed after the ceremony.

This new designated wheelchair area was developed to give wheelchair users an opportunity to relax  by the edge of the river, in a place where they are safe and are given main priority.

The spacious paved area by the river includes railings, for safety, and a beautifully crafted stone seating area. A plaque was also erected in dedication to the late Mike Griffin, a much loved member of the community who died in 2005. Respects were paid to Michael by his friend, Podge Deehan.

Speaking at the event, wheelchair user, Petra Canty, said: “People may not appreciate how important this is, and it may seem like a small thing. But for a disabled person, this is huge. I really appreciate Castlemartyr Community Council for doing this for us”.

Castlemartyr Community Council developed the area in conjunction with Muintir Na Tire and Cork County Council, after the decision was made in 2007. David O’Keeffe, community council chairman, stated: “2007 was the Year of the Disabled, so we decided to do something for wheelchair users. The area is for public use but we would hope that wheelchair users will be given main priority. We hope this will be sunny and happy place – like this evening –for many years to come”.

Fine Gael Spokesperson for Disability, David Stanton TD, was on hand to cut the ribbon at the event. During his speech, the local TD declared: “The thinking on issues related to disability has moved on hugely in the last few years and today is a great example of that. Let’s remove the barriers, so people with disabilities can move about freely and fully partake in society. This is the thinking we must move towards”.

Also attending the event was Gail Davis of the Irish Wheelchair Association, who said: “What has happened here in Castlemartyr should be repeated in all villages, towns and cities. The people here should be very proud. This wheelchair designated area is a fabulous place and is totally accessible to people with limited mobility”. Other esteemed guests included Cork County Councillor, Noel Collins, who said that the wheelchair designated area will be: “an inspiration for other towns to follow suit”.