'It comes at a cost': Concern over access to wheelchair swing in Cork playground

A PADLOCK on a gate around an enclosed wheelchair swing in Clonakilty playground, which can only be accessed if potential users purchase a special key to allow them access facilities for the disabled, has been described as a financial barrier which ‘others’ the disabled by a local election candidate.

Evie Nevin, a Clonakilty-based Labour Party candidate in the West Cork Municipal District, has contacted the accessibility officer of Cork County Council to voice her concerns about the accessibility of the wheelchair swing, which was included in an extensive revamp of the following a fundraising campaign by volunteers.

“The swing has been locked since the revamp last June,” said Ms Nevin.

“The padlock is a prime example of how disabled folks are made to feel in West Cork, othered, left behind, and forgotten.”

Radar key needed for access

Following enquiries by The Echo, the council confirmed that the swing is accessible by purchasing a special ‘radar’ key which is available through a Dublin locksmith. This is a system set up by the Irish Wheelchair Association.

“Access to the wheelchair swing at Clonakilty playground is via a radar key issued by the Irish Wheelchair Association, to registered members of the association who wish to avail of facilities catering for people with disabilities,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

“This key can be used at other facilities in Ireland where similar padlock systems are in place. The use of a padlock system at Clonakilty playground is to ensure safe use when operating the wheelchair swing.”

This key, which costs €20 to purchase and an additional €14.50 to be delivered by registered post, can be used to access disabled toilets and other facilities around the country.

According to Cllr Paul Hayes, the Independent councillor for the Clonakilty/Skibbereen electoral area, he had approached the council a number of months ago to seek to implement this system and at the January meeting of the West Cork Municipal District, he had been told that the radar padlock was in place at the wheelchair swing.

“I mentioned this a number of months ago, anyone with a blue badge, with one of these keys could open disability toilets and other facilities like that — you can apply to get this key if you have a disability or a blue badge.”

'It comes at a cost'

While, according to the council, the new system is in place, there appears to be no notice to inform people that this is the case.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms Nevin said that she did not regard the site as accessible as there was a financial barrier on top of the physical barrier as the radar key has to be purchased and sent away for.

“It’s not just given to disabled people,” she said. “Like our parking cards, it comes at a cost.

“I know many, many disabled folks and none of them have a radar key or even knew you could get one for toilets.

“If a child was in a wheelchair for six weeks due to a broken leg — they would have to purchase a key.

“This is essentially charging disabled people for the privilege of having access to the swing while everybody else can enjoy the playground free of charge.”