Meath’s 234 polling stations will be wheelchair accessible

All of Meath's 234 polling stations are wheelchair accessible, the County Registrar's Office has confirmed.

According to a report by the National Disability Authority, 29 buildings, servicing 43 polling stations, were not accessible to wheelchair users during the 2020 general election. A further survey showed that one in every two disabled people who responded faced barriers to voting.

European MEP and Election candidate for Midlands North West, Maria Walsh said: “Having met with the representatives from the Irish Wheelchair Association, I know there are people up and down the country who will struggle to access their local polling station come 7th June. The responsibility cannot be on individuals to travel to alternative stations or worse, not vote at all. The onus is on the Department of Housing and local authorities to ensure every single polling station is fully accessible to cater to all needs.

“The right to vote is one of the most important rights afforded to us, enshrined in international human rights laws and treaties. However, for some with additional accessibility needs, that right is threatened due to lack of services and planning.

“Along with access to polling stations, people with disabilities face challenges with issues such as height of the booths, adequate space, parking spaces and more."