Playground communication boards for Tipperary

Alan Moynihan, the Social Democrats local election candidate for the Cahir LEA, has  congratulated Tipperary Council on the recent installation of Communication Boards in all  playgrounds under their management. 

Last year, Alan walked from Roscrea to Ballyporeen on his ‘Trip Through Tipp’ to raise money for  communication boards. 

He noted: "At the time of my fundraiser we engaged the Council to see if we could buy boards for public  playgrounds. The Council decided to take on this idea and fund them themselves. This allowed  me to channel all my funds into communication boards and posters for local schools". 

Over 20 schools across Tipperary received communication boards or classroom posters on the  back of Alan's fundraising. 

"It is really encouraging to see the Council investing in making public spaces more inclusive and  accessible. This is a really positive step forward and I hope it will lead to further inclusive public  spaces in the future.” 

Over the weekend, the Social Democrats' European Candidate for Ireland South, Susan Doyle,  visited a local playground to see the newly installed communications board during her visit to  Cahir. 

In response to the recent comments made by Mattie McGrath TD about autism in the Dáil,  Moynihan add: 

“I was disappointed to hear a local TD, who has been an advocate for families and local services,  use his valuable Dáil time to engage in speculation and use language that has caused hurt. His  time would be better spent keeping the pressure on Government to deliver badly needed  services in Tipperary and around the country. 

“Families have a hard enough time fighting for basic services without hearing these sorts of  comments from their local representatives. 

“Local and national politicians must continue to raise disability issues but the focus should  always be on what really matters, securing vital services and supports.”