Speaking up for communication supports at county’s amenity sites

FUNDING to pilot a trial introduction of communication boards at amenity sites in the county is to be sought in response to calls from an Ennis councillor. Councillor Ann Norton, at the monthly meeting of Clare County Council urged that the local authority put up the boards in locations such as John O’Sullivan Park (Lee’s Road). She explained that the boards use photographs or symbols and support those who may find it difficult to express themselves including people with disabilities, limited language skills and elderly people.
Siobhán McNulty, acting director of social development responded, “The installation of communication boards would be a welcome addition to Clare County Councils amenity sites and in this regard we will seek a funding stream to pilot a site and trial this initiative. That said the premise of these boards is that they are interactive and given current Covid-19 restrictions we would not be in a position to commence a pilot at this time. We can however look at a pilot whereby the communication board could be in the form of a downloadable QR Code which individual users can use on their own smart phone/tablet. Again we will endeavour to seek a funding stream and work in partnership with other service agencies to trial this service.”
Councillor Norton acknowledged that the county is in the midst of a pandemic, expressing the hope that it is a project which may come to fruition next year. She said that the installation of these boards would be a positive addition to the county.
The motion was supported by Councillor Johnny Flynn who stated as a member of the Lee’s Road and Tim Smythe Park committee he and Councillor Mark Nestor would bring the matter to its attention.