A number of local elected representatives, to include Senator Micheál Carrigy, Deputy Claire Kerrane, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice, Senator Eugene Murphy and Deputy Sorca Clarke, together with Minister of State with special responsibility for Health, Deputy Frank Feighan, attended a meeting at the new Lough Ree Access for All National Waterways Accessibility Centre in recent times.
The delegation inspected the new state of the art Changing Places Suite, but most importantly they were well placed to assess the temporary boarding ramp to allow wheelchairs and people with mobility issues to board the boat.
There are currently issues with this boarding ramp that are made considerably worse with the seasonal rise and fall of water levels in the river. All those present agreed that the boarding ramp needed to be replaced and planning permission has now been approved for the new ramp.
Local Sinn Féin Deputy, Claire Kerrane, saw the boat and the reception facilities first hand and expressed her full support for what is rapidly being recognised as an essential service for people with intellectual or physical disabilities.
