ACCESS to those with disabilities to one of East Clare most popular amenity areas needs to be improved, in the view of members of the Killaloe Municipal District committee.
There was strong support for measures to improve access to Two Mile Gate Lakeside Amenity Park, following a motion tabled by Killaloe-based Councillor Tony O’Brien.
Located a few kilometres outside the town at Ballycuggeran, it is a designated Blue Flag bathing area and has seen record visitor numbers over the summer months.
“As things stand currently, people with disabilities are unable to access the amenity park and improving the infrastructure is essential,” the Fianna Fáil member said. “The park is a fantastic facility on the eastern shore of Lough Derg. It’s a major tourist attraction and very popular. It’s necessary that everyone should be able to access it.”
Councillor O’Brien welcomed the response from the executive of the council which said the authority had applied for Clár funding to carry out accessibility works. “The reply is very positive,” he said. “The facility is there and I don’t think it would cost an awful lot of put in extra benches or to widen the paths. Clare is a county of inclusiveness and accessibility. We have all proven that and I’m really looking forward to seeing these work progressing”
The Killaloe resident also highlighted the issue of littering at the amenity park and called on the authority to take action.
“There is a sign up at the back of the shop about litter,” he said. “That’s not seen by around 90% of people. It is worth looking at and putting more measures in place and putting the signage in a more prominent position. We have a wonderful forest walk in the area and it is right that there should be investment in our flagship amenities. I’m really looking forward to getting these works done. Thanks for all of the work done to-date.”
The motion was seconded by Councillor Joe Cooney and support was also expressed by Councillor Alan O’Callaghan.
Cathaoirleach Pat Hayes emphasised the importance of the disability-friendly facilities, saying, “This really is an important issue. The park really must be brought up to standard.”