"Real source of anxiety' - Calls for increased access to restrooms for people with chronic illnesses
Sinn Féin councillor for Dundalk Sionnain McCann called on Louth County Council to implement the 'No Wait' initiative
Calls have been made for businesses in Louth to give people with hidden disabilities such as Crohn's disease or Colitis access to restrooms.
Dundalk councillor Sionnain McCann raised the issue at the April meeting of Louth County Council.
The Sinn Féin councillor said it has been raised with the local authority on a number of occasions and said not having access to toilet facilities can become a "real source of anxiety".
"For people who have these conditions, the simple act of just living your daily life, whether you’re shopping or working, socialising or even going for a walk, it can become a real source of anxiety. Not just because they have these conditions but because they’re so worried about the uncertainty of having access to the basics, of having access to a bathroom," she said.
Cllr McCann called on the local authority to recognise the 'No Wait' initiative and encouraged local businesses to do the same.
"It’s [the motion] about inclusion and dignity. It’s calling on Louth County Council to recognise and support the ‘No Wait’ card initiative, which is a simple card that people who have the condition apply for through Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland and helps them to communicate with a business holder or if they find themselves in a public building that they need urgent access to a restroom," she said.
Cllr McCann praised Dundalk's community spirit and said she believed people "would be really on board" with the initiative.
She acknowledged that Louth County Council offers access to toilets in its offices and libraries, but said "expanding" needs to be done in terms of public parks and greenways.
In a written response to the motion, Joanna Kelly, Director of HR and Community Delivery with Louth County Council acknowledged the challenges faced by people with chronic and invisible illnesses in accessing toilet facilities.
She said: "In the absence of the 'No Wait' initiative being on a statutory footing...the Council could write to the Chambers of Commerce inviting local businesses to develop a 'No Wait' initiative and to also invite relevant health organisations and disability groups to raise awareness of the initiative."
Ms Kelly also confirmed the local authority will ensure "where reasonable and practicable, the availability of toilets as part of any future development proposals".
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.