Cork City Council initiative highlights challenges faced by people with a disability

Cork City Council has marked Make Way Day, by highlighting the need for an inclusive society for people of all disabilities.

Make Way Day 2025 is in association with Disability Federation Ireland (DFI), Cork Access group, Cork City Public Participation Network, Cork Disabled Persons Organisation, the Independent Living Movement Ireland Cork, and Cork Age Friendly City.

The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Fergal Dennehy said: “Cork City Council is proud to support Disability Federation Ireland’s ‘Make Way Day’ in Cork city. This important initiative promotes a more inclusive society by encouraging everyone to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share. 

"The core message is simple but powerful; keep the way clear for all — especially wheelchair users, those who are visually impaired, and older members of our community who may face mobility challenges.”

“The initiative is a call to action for us all to be more mindful of where we park, whether cars or bikes, and to ensure footpaths are free from obstacles like bins. Together, we can make our communities more accessible, welcoming, and safe for everyone.”

Challenges

Campaigners shared the challenges they face navigating urban spaces including, cars mounted on kerbs that block footpath access, bins, sandwich boards, overhanging branches, and bicycles and motorbikes chained to lamp posts.

DFI diversity and education officer Pierce Richardson said the campaign is an opportunity to highlight how the difficulties of navigating public spaces disabled people can be made easier in a more disability conscious world.

“Public spaces are for everyone. But they are often not designed with the needs of disabled people in mind. And with obstacles like cars mounted on kerbs or wheelie bins placed in the middle of a footpath, we can unconsciously contribute to an already difficult space for disabled people."

The campaign aims to make a collective impact on some of the habits that may contribute to these obstacles. That means increasing awareness of people’s unconscious behaviours that might impact the daily lives of disabled people.

Cork City Council has reminded all motorists that it is an offence to park on footpaths or in a disabled bay without displaying a blue badge; misuse a disabled persons parking permit is also an offence, and these actions are subject to a fine.