Sunflower parking supported

Cork County Council has supported a motion calling for the introduction of dedicated parking spaces outside schools for people with hidden disabilities.

The motion, brought forward by the Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, at Monday’s full council meeting, aims to alleviate the school-run “chaos” for families navigating additional needs. The parking spaces would be marked with a sunflower and distinct lining.

Supporting the motion, Cllr Audrey Buckley compared the idea to the existing courtesy parking available for people over 55, adding the spaces might also remind cars to slow down.

Also supporting the motion was Fine Gael Cllr and primary school principal Brendan McCarthy.

He said: “Anything that can be done to reduce speeds and to help those with hidden disabilities attending our primary schools is hugely welcome.”

Fine Gael Cllr Marie O'Sullivan added: “I think putting these stencils on the ground is so much more effective than just putting signs because it's instantly recognisable.”

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme launched across Ireland in 2021 to provide safe, accessible parking for people with non-visible disabilities such as autism or sensory issues. It is a globally recognised symbol that discreetly indicates a passenger has a hidden disability.

While the proposal received unanimous cross-party praise, the county executive warned funding constraints and licensing costs would require careful navigating at a local level.

Assistant Chief Executive for Cork North, Niall Healy confirmed the Roads and Transportation SPC has engaged with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative.

He said: “There are costs associated with licensing and so on of the Sunflower brand. It would come at a cost in terms of the cost of physical road markings and so forth.

“There isn't any designated funding stream for an initiative such as this. So, it's something we'd have to discuss with members at a local municipal district level."

Mr Healy said Carrigaline and Youghal are being examined as potential pilot areas for the sunflower initiative.

The County Mayor concluded the discussion by noting the initiative had been discussed at the East Cork municipal level for three and a half years and asked the matter remain firmly on the agenda.