Accessibility issues facing Laois residents heard at local election husting event in Portlaoise

The severe lack of accessible taxis, the inaccessible lift in Laois' brand new €7.6 million library in Portlaoise, the new high kerbs on the Dublin Road, Portlaoise which people in wheelchairs can't access, were among the topics covered during a lively discussion at Irish Wheelchair Association's Local Election Hustings in Portlaoise on Tuesday.

Hosted in partnership with Portlaoise DAGs (Disability Action Group), its Chairperson Pat Whelan and Secretary Tommy White both spoke about the issues affecting people with disabilities in the county, and IWA members around the room also had their say,

Six of the candidates contesting a seat on Laois County Council attended including Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley (SF), Maria Mccormack (SF), Cllr Tomasina Connell (FG) Naeem Iqbal (FF), Cllr Barry Walsh (FG) and Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald (FF) who agreed that more needed to be done to improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout the county.

According to the latest census, 22% of the population of Laois are living with a disability, equating to 20,106 people. The organisers of the event said it’s imperative that plans are put in place to ensure that the needs and rights of people with disabilities are met as per the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

All candidates were presented with a copy of IWA’s Election Manifesto, which includes many local issues relevant to Laois and were asked that if elected they would back the concerns raised. 

IWA's National Advocacy Manager Joan Carthy who attended the event said: “It’s important that people with disabilities are part of the conversation in the run up to polling day on June 7.  This platform gives candidates the chance to outline their vision if elected but also gives our members the opportunity to advocate for the issues that really affect them."

Transport continues to be a major issue in Laois for people with physical disabilities. There was  a call for a dedicated service so that everyone can access cultural, social, sporting and employment opportunities. 

Also highlighted in the localised manifesto is that buses are not available in the evenings and only in certain locations.
On Housing members have had a very positive relationship with Laois County Council regarding adapted housing and are eager for this to continue. 

They would like to see this partnership work between IWA, LCC and the HSE embedded in policies.

In relation to employment the group would like to see the County Council take a lead on working with local enterprises and disability organisations to explore part -time employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the county.

Sporting wise IWA members would like to see an increase in the number of sporting events organised by Laois Sports Partnership through its Disability Inclusion Officer.