Access Group is formed

A recent public meeting with a view to setting up an Access Group in Kilcullen has resulted in just that. The meeting was organised by a local Kilcullen resident, Geraldine Kelly and Action South Kildare. The overall aim of the meeting was to see if enough people in Kilcullen were interested in setting-up a Kilcullen Access Group. 

On moving to Kilcullen from Newbridge, Geraldine Kelly soon realised that her daughter Kate could not use her electric wheelchair on some streets in Kilcullen and tried to make contact with the local access group to talk about this. No Access Group existed in Kilcullen, so Geraldine decided that some action was needed. 

She made contact with Action South Kildare, a local development company who have a track record in supporting the setting-up and ongoing development of similar groups in other towns in South Kildare and the Public Meeting was arranged.

At the meeting, James O'Keeffe, Chairman of Athy Access Group, shared his experience of work in Athy and Geraldine Kelly spoke about here reasons for calling the meeting. Access  issues highlighted by participants included difficulties experienced by wheelchair users in accessing the local Bank, insufficient disabled parking spaces in the town and the need for dishing of pavements.

Following an open discussion there was absolute agreement that an Access Group working for access for all in the town was worth supporting and from this consensus Kilcullen Access Group was born. 

The following specific access issues were raised:

• Bank of Ireland Access - Planning Permission Applied for

• Bank ATM Machines - Not suitable for Wheelchair Users

• Disabled Parking - Not enough and need to be policed.

• If someone with mobility problems (not registered disabled) can get a card in IWA, Clane, to display in car

• Awareness Raising on the broad issue of universal access

• Footpaths- Need for dishing in certain areas

• New Shops in Hillside – two steps into buildings

• Toilets

• Playgrounds – How to make them accessible for children with disabilities

• Bollards/steps – difficulties for people with visual impairment

• General footpaths in town – street furniture etc

All of the above will be looked at when and Access Audit takes place. The first official meeting of the group will take place on Thursday 21st of April in Kilcullen Town Hall at 8pm.

Further information from Anne Daly, Action South Kildare.

— Anne Daly.