Independent Ireland Councillor Declan Kelly has welcomed the installation of an automatic door at Loughrea Primary Care Centre.
Cllr Kelly has said that it should not have taken his intervention to have the work done and has also criticised the HSE for failing to respond to an email he sent three months ago about disability access at HSE offices and facilities nationwide.
Cllr Kelly said: "Last year, myself and local disability advocate, Martyn Moran, made representations to have an automatic door installed at Loughrea Primary Care Centre in addition to modifications to the dished areas of the access footpath.
"I welcome the fact that these modifications have been carried out and that an automatic door was installed just before the end of 2024, replacing the hinge door that swung outwards. That swing door was entirely unsuitable for wheelchair users.
"All of this does beg the question, however, as to why a relatively new Primary Care Centre would not have had an automatic door installed upon opening so that wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility could access the building with ease. It also should not have required the intervention of a public representative or anyone else to get that work done.
"In addition, I emailed the HSE on December 17, 2024 highlighting this fact and asking that an urgent audit be undertaken of disability access at all HSE offices and facilities nationwide to ensure that they are fit for purpose as far as disability access and exit are concerned.
"Three months later, I have received no substantive response outside of an acknowledgement. This is not good enough and so myself, Martyn and the disability representative organization Physical Impairment Ireland will be continuing to work to ensure that all public facilities are made accessible to people with reduced mobility."
