Campaigners warn funding cuts may jeopardise gains in disabled access

Funding cuts could jeopardise the huge strides made in improving disabled access across Cork city, campaigners have warned.

Footpath maintenance and housing adaptation grants have been worst affected by the reduction in funding to local authorities, Lord Mayor Cllr Mary Shields has been told.

“We’ve noticed a lot of issues with footpaths. Refurbishment of footpaths is bread and butter stuff really,” said Donie O’Leary, secretary of the Cork Access Group and disability officer with the Cork City Partnership.

“And the absence of funding for housing adaptations — small projects like putting in a ramp, widening doors, or putting in a shower — could force people into home-care settings which will cost the state more in the long run.”

These were among issues raised during a forum for Cork City Partnership and Cope Foundation, hosted by the lord mayor in City Hall, to mark International Day of People with Disabilities.

Participants with disabilities highlighted the everyday issues effecting their lives as citizens of Cork, and suggested improvements to the physical access to the city for people of all abilities.

They called for more audible signals at road crossings, for a commitment to maintain disabled parking spaces where cycle lanes are being built, and for more disability training for council staff.

But they also called on City Hall to ensure that the redevelopment of Pairc Uí Chaoimh and the development of an events centre — are fully disability proofed.

They also welcomed a commitment that access issues at a community centre on Sprigg’s Rd will be addressed immediately.

Cllr Shields reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the Barcelona Declaration which aspires to making cities disability friendly and fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Sharon Lane, who has a visual impairment said she was delighted the mayor listened.

“Good access keeps people with disabilities safe, the Lord Mayor and her team at City Hall have the power to make important access changes and we know that together we can do great things,” she said.