Call for lowered kerbstones at disabled parking spaces

The Greencastle man, who manages the organisation, My Way Access, is intending to raise the issue at a remote meeting of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Disability Advisory Group later this month.

His concerns about the difficulties being faced have also been highlighted by local Sinn Féin councillor, Barry McElduff and Independent councillor, Emmett McAleer.

Mr Devlin said that at the moment some disabled people faced problems when getting out of their cars from the passenger side due to the high kerbstones on many footpaths, particularly in the High Street and Market Street areas in Omagh.

“This has been an ongoing issue for many disabled people and those who have mobility issues and it needs to be examined and kept on the agenda,” he said.

“Things like high kerbs and the cobblestones which are on some surfaces in Omagh town centre can be a real nightmare, especially if there is wet weather.

“It would be far better if the Council and the Department of Infrastructure consulted with people who have to use a wheelchair or have a disability before planning these roads schemes and then some of these issues could be identified and resolved far sooner.”

Mr Devlin welcomed works to improve disability access at the Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex as an example of what could be done.

His comments came as local man, Raymond McBride, took to social media to highlight the problems faced by his wife.

Mr McBride said that the kerb at one of the disabled parking spaces in Omagh was so high that it was impossible for his wife to step up to get into the wheelchair.

“After several humiliating attempts in front of onlookers, my wife got upset and began to cry. We gave up and left,” he added.

Cllr Barry McElduff has said that he is seeking a site meeting with the Department for Infrastructure officials locally to see what can be done in the short-term to address the problem.