‘Hidden disability’ parking provision to be introduced

The beach at Bettystown could be the first location for 'hidden disability' parking spaces in Meath.

At a meeting of the Laytown/Bettystown Municipal Council last week, Cllr Sharon Tolan received unanimous support for a motion to introduce a pilot scheme for specific parking spaces to be provided for those with a hidden disability.

|She explained these would be for families of children with hidden conditions like autism, a sensory disability or other difficulties, who wouldn't have a disabled badge, but would need to be able to park nearer to facilities.

She called for the spaces to be made available at popular family locations across the county, in a scheme similar to the very successful Hidden Disability Sunflower Spaces provided by Waterford County Council.

"I don’t believe we need to wait for national legislation or national policy before piloting a scheme in Meath to provide parking spaces for those with a hidden disability. We could be the Local Authority who leads the way and brings about national policy by championing it at council level first.

“We all know families and individuals who are trying their best to navigate the world we live in, with a disability. It’s a difficult thing to do, and we as a Local Authority have a duty to do all we can to improve our environment and make it more accessible. “This can be particularly difficult for those living with a hidden disability, and it can be difficult for others to identify and understand the challenges they face….and I believe we have a duty to those families too, to make our public areas as accessible as possible for those with a hidden disability.”

She explained that the introduction of a scheme, similar to the Age Friendly parking scheme, does not require legislation.

“It’s not enforceable, and it would depend wholly on good will and understanding. The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a discreet sign that the user has a hidden disability and may need additional support.”

Cllr Tolan called for on the council to trial two spaces in the parking area on Bettystown beach that is currently available for Disability and Age Friendly parking.

The pilot will now be developed by the Transportation SPC with a view to introducing spaces at Bettystown beach as a priority.

“We have a number of families who feel excluded from accessing the beach due to the nature of their child’s condition. This is the best way to address that and ensure that our beaches, but in a wider context all public parks and playgrounds, are accessible for all,” Cllr Tolan concluded.