Seven disability parking bays in Ballinasloe town have been given an upgrade this week around the town- Dunlo and Society St. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for disabled individuals and to clearly distinguish these spaces from regular parking spots, ensuring they are used appropriately, according to Cllr Evelyn Parsons who allocated funding to repaint the disabled parking bays a bright blue.
“As we work towards a more inclusive and accessible community, making disabled parking bays more visible is a crucial step,” said Cllr Evelyn Parsons “By painting these bays blue, we not only make them easily recognizable but also help prevent them from being mistakenly used by non-disabled drivers and passengers reducing the likelihood of misuse and ensuring these spaces are available for those who need them.”
She has engaged with local disability advocacy groups around the needs of the community, including Accessibility Ballinasloe to support a commitment to inclusivity and responsiveness to residents’ feedback.
“I have also advocated for an age friendly space in front of the Library and an additional disability parking bay closer to the centre of town, as requested by constituents,” said Cllr Parsons
The funding allocated by Cllr Parsons will cover the costs of repainting seven existing disabled parking bays. This project is part of a broader effort to enhance public infrastructure and improve the quality of life for all residents, particularly those with disabilities.
“In some cases disability parking bays were easily mistaken by drivers and this measure enhances the visibility of these crucial disability parking spaces for all now. I am dedicated to making Ballinasloe East Galway a place where everyone feels valued and included,” Cllr Evelyn Parsons said.
“These blue spaces serve as a daily reminder of the diverse needs within our communities and the importance of accommodating those needs.This is a proactive step to ensure that our community is accessible to all.”
