By Róise Collins
PORTNOO Beach has worked hard to become an inclusive destination, featuring a changing place and toilet facility specifically designed for people with disabilities and their families.
However, it has emerged that the crossing area directly outside the facility is missing a dropped kerb and instead has a four-inch kerb, which presents a major obstacle for wheelchair users.
Independent Councillor Micheal Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig has raised the issue, calling the oversight by Donegal County Council “unacceptable.”
“There has been fantastic work done, but obviously, it’s a failure on the council’s part to not install a dropped kerb, especially since the changing place is specifically for wheelchair users,” he said.
In addition to the dedicated changing facilities, the Blue Flag beach offers several beach wheelchair options, including an electric wheelchair for those with mobility issues.
This is the result of the hard work of a committee led by local resident Paul Dawson, who is also a wheelchair user.
While praising the council for its proactive efforts in making the county more inclusive and accessible, Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig stressed the importance of ensuring all beach projects remain accessible.
He also highlighted the ongoing commitment to improving beach accessibility.
“We need to make sure this isn’t happening in Portnoo or anywhere else,” he said.
“We need to be conscious that all these projects engage with our disability access officer.”
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