30 September 2022
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
County Cork
In County Cork, Cork County Council have supported “Make Way Day 2022”, organised by the Disability Federation of Ireland. The Day takes place nationally at the end of September when disability groups, organisations and campaigners hit the streets to draw attention, in a fun way, to the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities. The aim of Make Way Day is to highlight the everyday obstacles people with disabilities meet when out and about. These can range from cars or vans parked on the footpath to bicycle and motorbikes chained to lampposts, creating a trip hazard for a visually impaired person to forgotten wheelie bins impeding footpaths.
Patricia Liddy, Director of Service Corporate Services, Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Deirdre O’Brien and Cllr Ben Dalton O’Sullivan supporting Make Way Day 2022.
Photo: Colm Lougheed
Cork City
Meanwhile, in Cork City Centre, Cork City Council have also supported the initiviate.
Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Deirdre Forde said:
“We all share public spaces and are entitled to share them equally and safely. However, for many people, those with a disability, the visually impaired, or those simply unable to manoeuvre as well around obstacles, Make Way Day is about highlighting these issues, making the public aware of them and encouraging a change in behaviour”.
Chief Executive Officer of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty said:
“Make Way Day focuses on individual responsibility, on looking at what we can all do immediately to help our fellow citizens get from A to B, a very basic right. We in Cork City Council are happy to work with DFI in supporting the role out of Make Way Day across Cork City.”
Chairperson, Johnny Murphy reflected the ongoing work of the Cork Access Group with Cork City Council:
“The Cork Access Group and staff from the Roads and Traffic Sections in the Operations Directorate meet regularly focusing on accessibility of the roads infrastructure for use by people with disabilities in and around Cork city. The focus is to accommodate requirements to improve the quality of life and access of people with disabilities of the public space by improving existing facilities, considering requests for new facilities and consultation on planned works around the city.”
