A NEW ‘Changing Places’ and ‘Accessible toilets block’ at Letterkenny retail park will officially open on Friday, April 17, with Minister for Disability Emer Higgins set to attend.
The long-awaited facility, aimed at improving access for people with disabilities as well as the wider public, has been welcomed locally.
Fine Gael councillor Jimmy Kavanagh praised the work behind the project, particularly that of Donegal County Council access officer – Trudi O’Reilly.
“Thanks to Trudi O’Reilly for the huge volume of work she has done to get this project over the line,” he said.
Cllr Kavanagh acknowledged that the development faced delays due to the retail park changing ownership and technical issues at the site.
“Despite the issues, Trudi persevered to ensure the project was completed,” he added.
The Changing Places unit will be accessed via a radar key, which will be available to purchase for €5 at locations across the county, including the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA), Donegal Centre for Independent Living (DCIL), and Cairde Le Chéile at the Vestry in Letterkenny.
A full list of outlets will be published by the council once finalised.
A contact number will also be available at the retail park for those who need access but do not have a key.
The accessible toilet units will be open during retail park hours. One will include baby changing facilities, and both will be unisex.
Cllr Kavanagh said the development had been “on the agenda going back to the days of the Town Council”.
“It’s great to now eventually have a facility that can serve disabled persons, a ‘Changing Places’ facility for those who need it, and a facility for the general public also,” he said.
Mr Tony Kelly confirmed this week he is investing €2 million to develop retail units, apartments and a filling...