AN unnanounced music session at Narin beach on Saturday last has allowed the installation of a special facility in the county move one step closer to reality.
The Dolmen Centre is fundraising for a hoist and changing bench for the wheelchair accessible toilet at the beach. The electric hoist, costing €4,000, has been sponsored by Narin and Portnoo Links while an additional €2,000 is needed to purchase the changing bench.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the Duck Street Jam Band – and friends – who played an impromptu music session at the Pirates of the Coffee Bean at Narin beach on Saturday last. They heard we were fundraising and the session raised over €1,100. It is a superb effort to what we hope will be a worthwhile addition to the area and complement the existing beach wheelchair,” Mr Leonard Molloy, chairperson, Dolmen Centre said.
Located at Narin beach, the facility will make a big difference to so many people in the area and beyond who require additional equipment.
Changing Places Toilet Facilities provide extra equipment like a hoist and an adult sized changing bench. In Ireland there are only 15 Changing Places Toilet Facilities.
“We’re now awaiting permission from Donegal County Council to install the equipment. The next stage then will be to register with Changing Places Ireland on their network. It will be one of the first Changing Places facilities in Ulster.
“It will allow anybody who has a disability and wants a day out at the beach to come to Narin and will compliment the facilities we already have in place,” he said.
It’s part of ongoing improvements work in the Narin and Portnoo area.
“We’ve repaired an area from the pier over to the plinth at the High Rock in Portnoo. The next phase is to put in place at wheelchair friendly picnic bench. We received financial support from local Councillor Anthony Molloy (€2,500) and some funds from the Downstrands Development Group and we now need to raise €1,100 to purchase the picnic bench.
“Overall, we’re looking to raise €3,100 and the Duck Street Jam Band lads and their friends have given us a great start.
“Our thanks to Darren Boot for organising, to Barry, Kenneth Doherty, Casimir McGill, Aidan, Conal, Sarah, Sofie, Mark, Michael and Katcha for hosting last Saturday’s pop-up gig,” Mr Molloy said.