Fiona Dineen, Cork City Council Operations Directorate; Mars Murphy, Johnny Murphy, Chair of Cork Access group; Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy; Stephen Murphy, RAPID Coordinator Cork City Council; Siubhan McCarthy, Age friendly Coordinator Cork City Council; Alannah O’Callaghan, Cork City PPN Coordinator and Janet O’Connor, Healthy Ireland Coordinator, marking Make Way Day.

Clear the path!

Published:
Last updated:

A campaign that asks everyone to think about how our actions affect people with disabilities took place on Leeside recently.

Led by the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), and supported by Cork City Council and local disability groups, Make Way Day highlighted the obstacles that block people’s access to public spaces. Cars parked on footpaths, bins or sandwich boards left in the way, and bikes chained to lamp posts are just some of the daily challenges faced by wheelchair users, visually impaired people, and older residents. At the launch in Cork, Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy said the message is simple but powerful: “Keep the way clear for all.”

He stressed that the campaign is a reminder for everyone to be mindful of where they park and what they leave on footpaths.

DFI Diversity and Education Officer Pierce Richardson said: “Public spaces are for everyone. Small changes to our habits can make a big difference.”

Campaigners are clear that this should not be about one day a year. Accessibility must be part of daily life, so that Irish cities and towns are safe and welcoming for all.

Liudmyla Bortok
    Published:
    Last updated: