The Galway City Council will be among 15 local authorities in the State taking part in the first National Make Way Day, an initiative to raise awareness of the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share.
National Make Way Day takes place on Wednesday September 26, and disability groups and organisations will be highlighting obstacles such as cars or vans parked on a footpath and restricting pedestrian movement; bicycles/motorbikes chained to lampposts creating a trip hazard for the visually impaired; and the obstructions created by illegally placed sandwich boards, forgotten bins, and barrels.
“Make Way Day gives every one of us an opportunity to be more mindful of the 13 per cent of the Irish population who have a disability,” said Sharon Lawless, access officer with the city council. “Bringing in your bin early in the day, or clipping your hedge might not seem that important, but it’s a small action with a big impact for a neighbour, who otherwise might not be able to get down the street.”
The event will be launched by the Mayor of Galway, Labour city councillor Niall McNelis, at a coffee morning on Wednesday 26 from 10.30am to 12 noon in the Galway City Museum. There will also be a meet and greet between local businesses, people with a disability, agencies, and those with an interest in accessibility in Galway. The event is free and all are welcome.
Groups and organisations supporting this campaign are Access for All, Galway City Partnership, Galway City Council, Galway City Community Network, and Disability Federation Ireland.
