Universal Access and Age-Friendly Facilities Advocated

By Colm Croffy

Cllr Evelyn Parsons is calling for the urgent upgrade of public toilet facilities and improved disability access throughout Ballinasloe.

She has formally requested Galway County Council to include Ballinasloe in the upcoming round of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, with a specific focus on delivering age-friendly and fully accessible public toilet amenities.

Alongside this, she awaits confirmation of funding under Round 3 of the Community Recognition Fund, having already flagged these key projects as priorities.

A small but meaningful step forward is already imminent: a “brown-friendly” parking space will soon be installed outside the public library — a move long championed by Cllr Parsons. She is also actively pursuing a similar facility for Main Street, which remains under negotiation but firmly on her agenda.

Beyond infrastructure, Cllr Parsons has been consulting directly with those affected by access barriers. She recently met with SUAS, the local Disability Advocacy Group, to discuss issues ranging from poor directional signage and faded pedestrian crossings to the scarcity of accessible public transport options.

Her efforts have already yielded results — Galway County Council has backed a formal submission to the National Transport Authority seeking the installation of a new bus stop near the library, a facility deemed vital for elderly residents and those with mobility challenges.

“Accessibility isn’t just a buzzword — it must be a priority,” Cllr Parsons stated. “Ballinasloe has one of the highest old-age dependency ratios in Galway County at 32.6%, and a disability rate of 21.9%, which is above the national average. Our facilities must reflect and respond to this reality.”