Salthill is to get a Changing Places facility - the only one of its kind in Galway - a move one local councillor called "a game changer for people with complex needs".
A Changing Places facility is larger than a standard accessible toilet that provides 12sq metres of floor space and additional equipment, such as a full coverage ceiling tract hoist, and a height adjustable adult size changing bench.
The installation of the facility was first proposed by Fine Gael Galway City West councillor, Clodagh Higgins [pictured below], in October 2019 and then in December of last year, when it was unanimously supported by her council colleagues.
Funding of €40,000 for the facility was agreed by the current controlling pact on foot of a proposal put forward by Cllr Higgins. She further donated her full allocation of €10,000 to ensure the project goes ahead.
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The cost of providing a Changing Places facility is c€50,000 excluding maintenance costs. To make up any possible shortfall, Cllr Higgins has requested a meeting with the Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, to obtain the additional funding.
There are 13 Changing Places facilities in Ireland, eight of which are in Dublin. "This position has changed as a result of my council colleagues buying into my vision," said Cllr Higgins. "I am enormously grateful to them for this. This is a game changer for people with complex needs. It will improve their quality of life and make everyday tasks that bit easier."
