RONAN FAGAN
The realisation of a Changing Places accessible toilet was marked this week as representatives from Athlone Access Awareness group and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA ) joined with Cllr Frankie Keena to formally open the new facility on the ground floor of the Civic Centre.
Installed by Westmeath County Council, the opening of the Changing Places facility is the culmination of a three year process, a motion for which was first raised by Cllr Keena upon initial discussions with Maureen Wallace of the IWA and John Tynan from the Athlone Access Awareness group.
Changing Places accessible toilets offer increased space and a specialised design for people with additional needs, Cllr Frankie Keena stating that he was “thrilled” the Athlone facility had now been opened to the public.
“Following the conclusion of a three year campaign of motions, questions and lobbying, I am now delighted to see a Changing Places facility opened in Athlone Civic Centre.
“At that time, I was contacted by both Maureen Wallace IWA and John Tynan from the Athlone Access Awareness group who briefed me about a Changing Places facility which includes both a hoist and a height-adjustable changing bench. I was informed that these facilities have been designed to put health, safety and the dignity concerns of the person with a disability and the carer to the fore. To my horror, I was briefed that parents/carers are currently being forced to change their loved ones on public toilet floors because of the lack of adequate facilities in public places.
“I would like to thank the executive of the council for their support in identifying a suitable room, engaging consultants to draw up the relevant designs and sourcing the money to provide this much needed service under their close supervision.
“While this facility will be available during the opening hours of the Civic Centre and library, it will help in some way carers and family members to plan family trips and attend events that up to now remained out of reach for them,” Cllr Keena said.
Cllr Keena noted that additional Changing Places facilities will soon be realised at alternative locations within the town.
“Additionally, I welcome the news that Iarnrod Éireann has received planning permission to install a Changing Places facility at Athlone railway station. Furthermore, the Athlone Regional Sports Centre, of which I am board chairman, has applied for sports capital for funding to install such a facility on site. We await a Government announcement on this particular application,” Cllr Keena concluded.
