Cross-party support for pilot mobile sensory unit and accessible toilets at Kildare council events
It's expected that the initiative will launch as a pilot project later this year.
'This move aims to improve the experience and accessibility of events for people with sensory sensitivities and/or disabilities,' explained Cllr Melrose.
'Data collected from the pilot will be used when considering future provision to events of 500 or more attendees.
'Everyone deserves to enjoy our community events in comfort and dignity. A mobile sensory unit offers a quiet, safe space for those overwhelmed by crowds and noise. Just a few minutes in one of these rooms can help someone to reset, regulate, and then continue to enjoy the event.
'While changing places are a priority for the council, we are still quite a bit away from being able to offer full accessibility at our events.
'Providing an onsite mobile accessible toilet ensures basic facilities for people with mobility needs. Crucially, this includes a hoist for independent use, an issue which gets raised again and again by accessibility groups across the county.'
Cllr Melrose added that he hopes this initiative will be rolled out to smaller events with under 3,000 attendees down the line.
'Having seen first-hand families using and embracing these facilities at the Kildare Inclusivity Festival in May, it was a cause I felt compelled to champion,' he said.
'I'm grateful for the support received from fellow members including Kildare county councillors Peggy O'Dwyer (Fine Gael) and Donna Phelan (Fianna Fáil), both champions of inclusivity and accessibility in their own rights.
'I will continue to work closely with the council on this initiative and hope to see it grow and reach smaller events in our towns and villages.
'People and families often choose to attend an event based on what facilities are available to them, and I want to ensure that everyone is afforded an equal chance to enjoy what Kildare has to offer.'
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