OPW open to providing mobility scooters at its heritage sites.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed to Independent TD Carol Nolan that it is open to implementing initiatives at its heritage properties, including those in County Offaly that may include the provision of mobility scooters for persons with conditions such as Parkinson’s.

However, while the OPW says that it is willing to do so in collaboration with community groups and social enterprises, the groups must have the resources to oversee the implementation of such schemes with public liability cover provided where issues of health and safety can be appropriately managed.

Deputy Nolan raised the matter in a parliamentary question after being contacted by constituents who highlighted the ongoing challenges that they experience in trying to access sites like Emo Court and Parklands situated close to the Slieve Bloom mountains:

“My constituents raised the very reasonable point with me that when they travel to Dublin Zoo, mobility scooters are provided. Yet, when they want to visit somewhere closer to home in Offaly or in the wider midlands, they cannot enjoy the full range of experiences because their access needs are not catered for in the same way. This includes sites such as Lough Boora Discovery Park which I appreciate is not directly managed by the OPW,” said Deputy Nolan.

“I am also told that while the OPW clearly recognise the benefits of such a scheme, it is not currently funded to provide such a service at its properties. That is an issue I will certainly follow-up on behalf of all my constituents who do not want their mobility issues to limit their enjoyment of and access to some of the great resources we have in Offaly and the midlands,” concluded Deputy Nolan.