Inclusion beaches

Cathaoirleach of Greystones MD Lourda Scott calls for increased accessibility to the district beaches.  Currently there is no wheelchair access onto beaches in Kilcoole and Newcastle, while the south beach in Greystones has a portable beach mat which provides access onto the beach but not to the water. According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified in 2018, Ireland has an obligation to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access with other children to participation in play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities.  While great steps have been taken locally, access to the sea is still very limited.  

Speaking on the matter Scott says: “I have been contacted by several families on this issue. We are incredibly lucky to live by such a beautiful coastline. During the pandemic in particular people really appreciated being able to take a walk by the sea and going for a swim for their mental and physical health. The recent Social Infrastructure audit report also highlighted the value people place in our natural amenities. Unfortunately this isn’t an option for many people in our community that have challenges with their mobility. The addition of the beach mat in Greystones South beach was a welcome step in the right direction however there is more that can be done.  Parents have told me that while the mat helps the person with mobility issues to get onto the beach, they can’t get close enough to the water to supervise their other children in the water. In reality this means the family avoids going to the beach at all. In Kilcoole it is virtually impossible to access the beach if you are not able bodied.  This adds to the challenges families already face and removes a valuable source of physical and mental health benefits. It’s not just young families that are affected by this as  I have also been contacted by older people who experience similar challenges. Luckily Wicklow County Council are very proactive in this area and are keen to resolve this. I have spoken to the Access officer  about measures we can take to improve accessibility as well as a supplier of all terrain beach wheelchairs. WCC are very open to addressing this and I will continue to work with them until we find solutions that work for everyone. I would ask anyone that has experienced difficulties accessing our beaches to please contact me.”