Better access for wheelchair users to some of West Cork's beaches was discussed at a Council meeting last week.
BETTER access for wheelchair users to some of West Cork’s beaches was discussed at a Council meeting last week.
Councillors heard that specially designed beach wheelchairs have been introduced by a number of other coastal councils. These wheelchairs, which are fitted with adapted wheels, allow wheelchair users to safely travel over sand as well as go to into the water.
‘This would be a very welcome addition to the beaches in West Cork,’ County Mayor Declan Hurley (Ind) said. ‘Access to our beaches for everybody must be a priority for us and I know that these wheelchairs have worked very well at Inch beach in Kerry.’
Cllr Kevin Murphy (FG) agreed it was a good proposal but added: ‘We will need more ramps as well so that people can get access to the beach. We can’t deny a vulnerable section of our society access to our beaches.’
Cllr Pat Gerard Murphy (FF) added: ‘This is a very worthwhile motion and providing these facilities will be a very worthwhile addition to the our beaches. We must also remember that there are funds available through the LCDC which could be utilised in providing these facilities.’
Cork County Council’s deputy manager, Declan Daly, said that he would instruct the relevant department to look into providing these beach wheelchairs and would report back to the Council.
