PARKING PROBLEMS: Killarney Access Group is this week pleading with the public to be careful where they park during Christmas as it could block footpaths and roadways. Pictured: Timo O'Sullivan

“We need everyone’s support”

By Michelle Crean

EXCLUSIVE

A local disability access group is this week calling on the public to be considerate and remember others when parking in town for Christmas shopping.

Mary O’Shea from the Killarney Access Group, which liaises with Killarney Municipal District Council on access issues throughout the town of Killarney, says Christmas time is stressful enough without blocking access for those with disabilities.

The group was formed over 20 years ago to support people with access issues to help make Killarney become a more accessible town for everyone.

This week, she’s pleading with the public to be mindful where they park in town as blocking footpaths and roadways leads to huge issues for wheelchair users and others.

“We are appealing to everyone to be more considerate when and where you park this Christmas in Killarney and to be aware of others who may not find negotiating the busy streets so easy,” Mary, who spoke to the Killarney Advertiser this week, said.

“We need everyone’s support to make sure the town is accessible to all this Christmas and throughout the year.

“Please do no park your car in a designated disabled parking bay if you or your passenger does not hold a disabled parking permit. Parking on footpaths creates huge hazards for so many people who have to go out onto the road to get around the car. Street furniture presents further obstacles on an already busy thoroughfare, bikes on footpaths are lethal and wheelie bins blocking our pedestrian routes are a massive inconvenience for so many people, not just for people with disabilities but also for elderly or frail people and people with buggies and small children.”

Killarney Municipal District Council have always supported the group, practically and financially though the Community Support Fund provided by Kerry County Council and together, she added.

“We have made huge strides in ensuring that the town is reasonably accessible. Killarney Access Group wishes everyone a very happy and enjoyable Christmas and look forward to working with Killarney Municipal District Council into the future to make Killarney a fully accessible town for all.”