Urgent call for Accessibility Officer in Carlow which could transform the town for many

Graiguecullen Bridge recently underwent works for the extension of its handrails to help those with mobility issues, however for some it highlighted just how many more projects like this are needed throughout Carlow.

Cllr Adrienne Wallace has welcomed the works on Graiguecullen Bridge, but added that an Accessibility Officer in Carlow County Council would make these critical projects a reality much sooner.

Commenting on the works, the People Before Profit Carlow-Kilkenny Councillor said: "This is a very welcome development. Graiguecullen Bridge is an iconic landmark in Carlow but unfortunately the steep incline of the bridge made it inaccessible for those in wheelchairs or others with mobility issues, thankfully the Access Group in the Carlow branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association raised this issue with me and I was able to successfully petition the council to extend the handrail across its entirety."

She added: "The IWA access group is extremely proactive in highlighting the inaccessibility of parts of our town and while the need for improved accessibility remains across many areas, like wider footpaths and the re-pavement of Tullow Street, this is a move in the right direction."

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Although Carlow County Council is legally required to have an Accessibility Officer, it still does not have one.

Cllr Wallace continued: "Every local authority is required by law to have an Accessibility Officer but despite my calls for one in Carlow we are still waiting to see the role be advertised. An Accessibility Officer would feed into every project and department and ensure inclusivity is at the core of the council’s work and not just an after-thought."

She concluded: "I would like to thank Carlow MD Engineer Cian Madden and the workers who installed the handrail to increase safety and accessibility in our lovely town."