CREATE SPACE: John Ferguson (Programme Assistant/Driver) pictured with wheelchair user Bernard James are calling on the public to be patient and allow more access for people with disabilities during the last shopping week before Christmas. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

With days to go to Christmas and a huge surge in shopping expected - one local group is calling on the public to keep access open for shoppers with disabilities.

The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is asking Killarney businesses to keep their pathways and disability parking clear for shoppers in wheelchairs and their families, as lockdown ends and for the public to be mindful of where they park.

Illegal parking in disabled spaces, double parking on footpaths, and even family members using a disability disc inappropriately cause a huge inconvenience and lack of access for those who need it most.

​​​​A recent Irish Wheelchair Association survey found that 77% of people with physical disabilities have poor or no access to public spaces and amenities because of issues with pavements, parking, pedestrian crossings and more.

Now, as shoppers descend on Killarney town in the coming days, the IWA has launched a special Christmas appeal calling on the public to think twice and think of others.

This week Bernard James, a service user with the IWA Killarney branch at the Reeks Gateway, says people with disabilities have a right to go shopping too but are fearful that the next few days are going to be manic in relation to parking.

He says that it's daunting to go out and about during normal shopping times and lack of parking or bad parking such as up on footpaths coupled with bad weather will make it very difficult.

"It depends on the weather also as I might have to travel far to get to the shop I need to go to. I understand everybody has to shop but I am just asking for people to be more aware of where they park."

Terry O'Brien, Service Coordinator for the IWA Kerry, says people need to "use a common sense approach" to parking and access.

"We're not trying to scaremonger anybody but giving a gentle reminder to people that people in wheelchairs are also excited about shopping for Christmas. The last thing we want is that in the middle of the madness that there will be wheelchair users that can't access parking to go shopping. We're asking that people don't abuse the disabled parking spaces."

The IWA has also launched its Christmas fundraising appeal, which supports services for people with physical disabilities through community centres and sports clubs. To support Irish Wheelchair Association this Christmas visit www.iwa.ie/donate.