Lack of crossing puts wheelchair users at risk
Wheelchairs feel they are putting their safety at risk at road crossing
THE safety of residents at a Tullow housing estate is “at risk”. So said newly-elected councillor for the area Ben Ward at a recent meeting of the municipal district.
Cllr ward said that representations by wheelchair users living in the Abbey Close housing development had been made to him, highlighting the lack of a pedestrian crossing in the vicinity. Based on the N81, the development contains several Cheshire Ireland homes, offering support to those with illness and disability to live independently within the local community, while being supported by a staff team.
“There’s a need for a crossing over to the shop. I’ve been talking to people in wheelchairs who feel they are putting their safety and the safety of their carers at risk. Can anything be done?” asked cllr Ward.
Area engineer Pat Harrington told the meeting that the issue had existed for over a decade and that responsibility for the road lay with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), which has failed to sanction the works.
“We have been asking for the last ten years and were told no, no, no. It’s not our road and we can only work on that road with their permission,” he said.
Mr Harrington gave a commitment to once again make representation to the state body in relation to the issue.
