Athlone 'Make Way Day' highlights mobility obstacles in town

Cars parked on footpaths and not enough 'dished kerbs' for wheelchair users were two of the main issues found during a 'Make Way Day' event to highlight mobility obstacles in Athlone last Friday.

The local initiative was part of the national National Make Way Day 2023 campaign, which was supported by Westmeath County Council, the Westmeath Disability Working Group, and local organisations such as Athlone Access Awareness, the Irish Wheelchair Association and Independent People with Disabilities.

The Athlone gathering started at the canopy on Church Street at 11am on Friday, while 'Make Way Day' events were also held in Moate, Kilbeggan, Rochfortbridge and Mullingar.

John Tynan of Athlone Access Awareness said two teams were divided up to travel around Athlone and record any obstacles they found in their path on Friday.

He said cars parked on footpaths was a big issue - and one which can often be a problem in housing estates as well as on town streets.

John pointed out that there was just one traffic warden in Athlone, and he felt that more than one was required given the size and growth of the town.

In addition, he said a shortage of 'dished kerbs' made it harder for wheelchair users and parents with buggies to get on and off footpaths.

"Some of the problems we've had with footpaths are being addressed in the streetscape work that's happening in Athlone at the moment," he said, but he added that there was a particular problem with the public footpath at Gleeson Street, near the 'TK Maxx' entrance to Athlone Towncentre.

"There is an issue with subsidence on that footpath, which we have highlighted to the council and would really like to see addressed, but for whatever reason it hasn't happened so far," he said.

He reiterated that the built environment was for everyone, and that everyone should be able to navigate it as they go about their daily business.

The Athlone event on Friday was launched by the Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr Liam McDaniel, and was also addressed by Athlone Mayor Cllr Louise Heavin and Brendan Campbell of the Westmeath Disability Working Group.

'Make Way Day' is a campaign led by the Disability Federation of Ireland and is designed to be an "impactful, coordinated and decisive" day of action to focus the mind on people with disabilities, their lives, and needs.