Mayo TD calls for more fully accessible changing/toilet facilities

DEPUTY Michael Ring has called on the government to provide funding to ensure that more fully accessible changing places/toilet facilities, which include hoists, can be provided across the country.

He stated: “I have been contacted by a number of people in relation to the lack of fully accessible changing places/toilet facilities in Ireland. The lack of fully accessible changing places which include hoists makes it very difficult for people with disabilities when travelling to various locations across the country.

“It is demeaning and degrading and it is imperative that something is done about it.”

He continued: “We pride ourselves on being a fully inclusive society and an accessible community and it is vital that we do everything we can to honour this and live by this mantra.

“I believe there should be a fully accessible changing place in every town in Ireland. The government urgently needs to work with every local authority in Ireland to bring about these necessary facilities.

“A large number of people and their carers cannot visit certain public places due to a lack of suitable toilet facilities and this is quite simply not acceptable. Nobody should be denied the right to visit locations or enjoy amenities due to the lack of changing facilities.”

Said Deputy Ring: “I am calling on the government to meet with local authorities as a matter of urgency and devise a plan to provide fully accessible changing places/toilet facilities across Ireland.”