PEOPLE in Inishowen are
being invited to have their say on disability access
to public buildings, outdoor amenities, footpaths
and other public spaces.
The invitation is part of Donegal County Council's
new Disability Implementation Plan for 2009 – 2015
and people will be able to let their voices be heard
at either an upcoming workshop or by making written
submissions during the consultation period from
September 8 until October 17, 2008.
Access officer for Donegal's county and town
councils, Noreen McLaughlin, said the plan had been
informed by the findings of the accessibility audits
undertaken in late 2007 of public buildings, public
spaces and public roads/footpaths, towns and
villages, heritage sites, burial grounds, services
and facilities.
"This plan will assist Donegal local authorities in
meeting and complying with their obligations under
the Disability Act 2005 and in line with the
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local
Government Sectoral Plan."
Director of housing and building services, Liam
Kelly added: "This new Disability Implementation
Plan will build on the work undertaken over the last
number of years and a key element in the development
of this plan has been the involvement of
organisations representing people with disabilities
through the local authorities Disability Strategy
Group."
The Disability Strategy Group is chaired by Eddie
Crawford, a representative of the Donegal network of
People with Disabilities in Ireland and the group
also includes representation of the Disability
Federation of Ireland and Donegal Disability Access
Advisory Group.
"The plan will guide the work of the local
authorities in terms of disability access for the
next seven years and it is very important that
people with disabilities and their families have
their say in relation to this plan," said Mr
Crawford.
A consultation event will be held at Carndonagh
Public Service Centre on September 30, 2008, from
1pm – 3pm. Registration is required and you can do
so by calling 074 91 72378 or emailing
nmclaugh@donegalcoco.ie or writing to
Noreen McLaughlin, access officer, Donegal County
Council, Lifford, Co Donegal. Submissions and
observations from the public will accepted up until
October 17, 2008. |
