A Laois Councilor has called on the County Council to implement the recommendations of of the roads and footpaths accessibility survey as soon as possible.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley made the call at the Portlaoise Municipal District Committee meeting this week.
The survey was undertaken by The Irish Wheelchair Association, who Cllr Stanley met with recently.
“At the last Housing SBC meeting, we had a presentation from The Wheelchair Association on the obstacles that they face on a daily basis,” Cllr Stanley said.
The Sinn Féin Cllr aid it was a real eye-opener to see first-hand the problems presented by parked cars, trip hazards and more.
Cllr Stanley said the Wheelchair Association also reported that Portlaoise train station is not nearly as wheelchair-friendly as the station in Portarlington.
The new road surface at Towerhill was also outlined as a major problem for wheelchair users.
Cllr Barry Walsh, who has highlighted these issues in the past, was responsible for the presentation.
He said he would be more than happy to give the presentation at the next full meeting of the County Council.
Cllr John Joe Fennelly, who pointed out his own brother is a wheelchair user, called for improvements to wheelchair parking in Lyster Square.
Mr James Dowling, Executive Engineer for Roads said: “Laois County Council are currently reviewing the recommendations of the survey and the Council is amenable to the recommendations made.”
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