Pilot scheme set to create 'hidden disability' parking spaces in two Cork towns 

Two pilot schemes are expected to be created by Cork County Council to provide designated parking spaces for people, especially children, with hidden disabilities.

They are likely to be in the county’s biggest town, Carrigaline, and in Youghal.

Youghal-based Independent councillor, Mary Linehan-Foley, said that while there are designated child-friendly spaces, spaces earmarked for physical disability and ones for older people, there are none in the county for people who have hidden disabilities.

She urged council officials to address this void, pointing out they are in place in other parts of Ireland, and all over Europe.

Ms Linehan-Foley said in particular the spaces should initially be provided adjacent to schools.

“These spaces would be clearly marked with a sunflower and appropriate lining. These would be courtesy spaces, at the discretion of the public to leave them for use by those with a sensory disability,” said Ms Linehan-Foley.

Feedback from parents

She said she had received feedback on the need for them from parents of children with hidden disabilities.

Some of these children she added are “a flight risk” and they particularly need a designated space close to schools so parents can bring them to and from school in safety.

“We could have a pilot project maybe in Youghal initially. I’ve done a lot of work on this. They have them in Dungarvan, Co Waterford at schools and shopping centres. There’s no need for a bylaw as these would be courtesy spaces,” Ms Linehan-Foley said.

Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Donovan said he’d also been speaking to parents in his municipal district of Carrigaline and suggested a polit project be introduced there as well.

Not all disabilities are visible

Fianna Fail councillor Ann Marie Ahern said: "Not all disabilities are visible. It would make it easier for parents and it’s an excellent initiative."

Fine Gael councillor Brendan McCarthy, a primary school principal based in West Cork, said there are a couple of hundred primary schools in the county which could benefit from this. However, it may be difficult to create these dedicated spaces at some of them which are on the sides of main roads as this could be dangerous.

Niall Healy, the local authority's assistant chief executive, said they would work with the council’s roads and transportation directorate to identify suitable sites, adding that Carrigaline is likely to be the first pilot project.

He said any such projects would have to be financed by the eight municipal district councils.