The Killarney Municipal District Office said it “would welcome a meeting with stakeholders to discuss any opportunities to broaden the universal access of Knockreer playground."

This follows a motion by Cllr John O’Donoghue at this week’s Killarney Municipal District Meeting.

He asked if the Council would commit to providing an Autism friendly area in Knockreer Playground.

“Accessibility to all aspects of society is a major issue for some and I feel we as a Council should lead the way in doing all we can to ensure all citizens of our State have equal rights. I am very fortunate to be a small part of a wonderful group working to make Killarney Autism Friendly to ensure those with additional sensory needs are catered for in our town,” he told the meeting .

“No child in this State should ever have to feel grateful for simply being facilitated to access the same level of care or services as their peers, but the point still stands in that it shows the importance of what great things can be achieved by relatively small steps on our part. I ask that the Council would look favourably upon any request for assistance, be it financial or otherwise, if any groups come to them looking for it.”

A council official replied: “Kerry County Council are currently updating the Council's Playground Policy following recent consultation and continues to upgrade playgrounds including Killarney (Knockreer) Playground. Kerry County Council will continue to enhance access to play for children with a difference within Killarney (Knockreer) Playground, to include autism friendly certified play equipment, as further funding becomes available. The Killarney MD Office would welcome a meeting with stakeholders to discuss any opportunities to broaden the universal access of Knockreer playground.”