Important milestone for Longford as Lough Ree Access for All opens new sensory shed
Community celebrates launch of sensory shed with DPD CEO Des Travers and MEP Ciaran Mullooly at Lough Ree Access for All
A new chapter in inclusivity will be marked this Friday, September 26, as Lough Ree Access for All celebrates the opening of its new sensory shed at its Ballyleague base on the Longford Roscommon border.
The dedicated space has been designed to offer a calming and supportive environment for individuals with sensory needs, featuring a nautical theme and an array of interactive tools, textures, and lighting to help with sensory regulation.
The official ribbon-cutting will take place at 12 noon, with the shed being formally opened by Mr Des Travers, CEO of DPD.
Local MEP Ciaran Mullooly will also be in attendance to highlight the importance of inclusive spaces and the benefits this new facility will bring to the community.
Liam Grimes, Manager of Lough Ree Access for All, described the project as an important milestone. “We are incredibly proud to open this sensory shed, which we believe will be a valuable resource for our customers and many families both locally and in the surrounding area.
Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their needs, can fully participate in community life. This new space is a significant step toward achieving that goal.”
The sensory shed adds to the organisation’s growing list of initiatives aimed at removing barriers and making the waterways more accessible. Lough Ree Access for All is already well-known for its wheelchair-accessible wellness boat cruises on Lough Ree and the River Shannon.
With this new facility, it continues to extend its mission of fostering inclusion for people with physical disabilities, reduced mobility, mild intellectual disabilities, and dementia.
The public are warmly invited to attend Friday’s event, meet the team, and learn more about the organisation’s work. Members of the press will also have the opportunity to speak with Liam Grimes and other representatives on the day.
Founded as a not-for-profit and registered charity, Lough Ree Access for All reinvests all surpluses into improving and expanding its accessible services.
The addition of the sensory shed signals its ongoing commitment to making both land and water welcoming for everyone.