Government Funding should ensure enhanced disability access

Fine Gael Galway City Councillor Clodagh Higgins has called on Minister Catherine Martin to ensure that Changing Places facilities are included in all 22 locations that have been chosen to develop state-of-the-art facilities for outdoor water-based activities.

Councillor Higgins said “I was delighted to read that a €19 million investment has been made to develop state of the art facilities for outdoor water-based activities. I read with interest that there were 22 locations nationwide chosen to build world class facility centres where water-based activities are a key visitor attraction and that each facility would have hot showers, secure storage, changing and toilet facilities, induction spaces, equipment washdown and orientation points”.

Councillor Higgins continued “I have written to Minister Martin appealing to her to ensure the inclusion of Changing Places facilities in each one”. Councillor Higgins stated “Changing Places facilities are an improved standard accessible toilet as they provide a larger floor space and have additional equipment such as an adjustable adult sized changing bench, full room coverage ceiling tract hoist system and much more. Currently there are 15 Changing Places facilities in Ireland and 9 of these are located in Dublin. By including these facilities in the 22 locations nationwide would transform the lives of many people who have profound and complex needs”.  

Councillor Higgins said “a Changing Places facility can give these people a new-found freedom as they are able to stay away from home longer, knowing that they can visit a safe and hygienic bathroom thus improving their quality of life. Councillor Higgins  concluded “I am dedicated to making positive changes for people with disabilities and set down a motion at Galway City Council in December 2019 calling for a Changing Places facility for the City. Furthermore, I secured funding in 2021 budget for the provision of a Changing Places facility in Salthill, Galway and hope to see Galway’s first one being in place this year”.