Sunflower parking in Donegal Town to be explored by council executive

The possibility of sunflower parking being brought to Donegal Town was proposed by Cllr Jimmy Brogan at October’s Donegal Municipal District Meeting at Donegal Town.

A sunflower has become an internationally recognised symbol for hidden disabilities, and parking spaces across the country have been made accessible to those who would benefit.

According to Hidden Disabilities, across Ireland, 1 in 5 people live with some form of disability, and 80% of these are non-visible, which is just under one million people who are living with a non-visible disability.

Cllr Brogan said: “It has been introduced in other counties. It is parking for people with disabilities.

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“This would be something if people have a disability but don’t have a disability card, there would be somewhere to park.

“I know there has been a discussion with service users around the town, who have identified the Bank of Ireland space, for example.

“They would still pay for parking if there were a few spaces around the town for that.”

Mark Sweeney, the Area Manager for Roads & Transportation, responded and noted that a similar scheme was “well-received” in Waterford. He said: “I think we should be trying to get a place for everyone with a need.

“If that is something you want me to explore, I am happy to explore it because it would be a good one to progress and is worthwhile in doing.”