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Buncrana's disabled "face 131
hazards"
30.03.09
BUNCRANA poses 131
"major hazards" for pedestrians with physical or
sensory disability, a local councillor has warned.
Cllr Daren Lalor called for a significant increase
in Government funding to allow the seaside town and
others in the county to become better accessible for
people with disabilities.
Cllr Lalor represents Buncrana Town Council on the
Donegal Disability Strategy Group. He said a
significant funding increase was needed in the April
7 emergency budget if Buncrana is to address the
issues highlighted in Donegal County Council’s
Accessibility Audit.
"As part of a National Disability Audit of all local
authorities, Buncrana Town Council has undertaken an
Accessible Audit throughout the town and environs. |
"This extensive and
much-welcomed audit has highlighted 131 major
hazards on pedestrian routes throughout the town for
visitors and members of our community with physical
and sensory disabilities. Some issues identified by
the audit were absent tactile paving at crossing
points, obstructions in the footway, unguarded steps
and general obstructions," said the Sinn Féin
councillor.
He acknowledged that Buncrana had made some welcomed
progress on disability access |
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including the upgrade
of the West End pedestrian crossing and the
construction of a pedestrian crossing along the
Cockhill Road.
"But the reality is that a significant increase in
funding from the Department of Environment, Heritage
and Local Government this year is essential if we
are to address the needs of members of our community
with disabilities."
The 2006 census shows that 10.2% of the population
in Donegal have a disability.
Cllr Lalor added: "While the Government has
introduced the Disability Act, unfortunately for
members of our community with disabilities, equality
will always depend on piecemeal funding until we
deliver a policy based on both rights and resources
to meet the needs of people with disabilities." |
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