Wheelchair users in Tipperary deserve dignity as wheelie bins block footpaths for days
Cllr Fiona Bonfield pushed for the ‘dignity’ of wheelchair users, saying that wheelie bins are being left on footpaths for multiple days at a time and blocking paths
COUNCILLORS have flagged accessibility concerns around north Tipperary, stemming from people leaving wheelie bins and parking cars on footpaths around towns and villages.
At the October meeting of Nenagh Municipal District, Cathaoirleach Fiona Bonfield said that wheelchair users in Tipperary deserve “dignity”, rather than having to move onto the road to avoid obstacles.
Cllr Bonfield claimed that wheelie bins are being left on footpaths for multiple days at a time, blocking paths for wheelchair users and those pushing buggies.
The Labour Party councillor said that further enforcement was needed to keep footpaths clear. She proposed a pilot programme in Nenagh, before expanding to other towns and villages.
Councillor Seamus Morris echoed these concerns, while pointing out the long-term damage that can be done to footpaths when cars are repeatedly parked on top of them.
He said that people are “popping the hazard lights on” to park on footpaths and in loading bays, causing traffic issues and breaking down one-way systems.
Cllr Morris described this as “reckless”, and called for stricter enforcement.
District Administrator Rosemary Joyce confirmed that they will be reminding wardens to enforce parking laws in Nenagh.
She also reminded councillors that they can report bins that have been left out too long to Tipperary County Council.