Tipperary councillor confident ahead of vote on Disability Inclusion Officer proposal
Independent councillor Liam Browne says he is confident the proposal for a dedicated inclusion role will receive strong support from colleagues
A motion calling for the appointment of a full-time Disability Inclusion Officer at Tipperary County Council is set to be debated at the local authority's next meeting, with Independent councillor Liam Browne expressing confidence that the proposal will receive widespread support from fellow councillors.
The motion, which has been submitted by Cllr Browne, seeks to establish a dedicated Access and Inclusion Officer role within the council as part of a wider effort to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities across the county.
The proposal comes in support of the Irish Wheelchair Association's "Access – It's No Joke" campaign, which is encouraging local authorities nationwide to appoint dedicated officers focused on accessibility and inclusion.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Cllr Browne noted that an incorrect report by this news site had suggested the position had already been approved by the council, thanks to an incorrect press release sent on Friday.
"The story is kind of jumping the gun," he said. "Tipperary County Council haven't passed a motion to provide for a full-time Disability Inclusion Officer – at least not yet."
"However, I have put the motion down for debate at our next meeting, and I am sure my colleagues will join me in passing it."
"I’m delighted to be proposing this important motion at next month's meeting of Tipperary County Council," he said.
"At its heart, this is about fairness, dignity, and ensuring that everyone in our community can access public services and amenities without barriers."
If adopted, the motion would support the creation of a dedicated full-time officer tasked with promoting accessibility throughout council services, infrastructure projects and public spaces.
Cllr Browne believes the role would help ensure accessibility considerations are embedded in council decision-making from the outset rather than being addressed after problems arise.
"By supporting the Irish Wheelchair Association's 'Access – It's No Joke' campaign, we will be recognising that accessibility cannot be treated as an afterthought," he said.
"A dedicated, full-time Access and Inclusion Officer will ensure that our council is proactive, properly resourced, and fully meeting its legal obligations under the Disability Act 2005 and EU accessibility regulations."
The Irish Wheelchair Association has highlighted concerns that many local authorities do not have dedicated accessibility staff, with responsibility for access issues often assigned as an additional duty to existing employees.
Campaigners argue that appointing dedicated officers would help identify barriers, improve public infrastructure and ensure people with disabilities have a stronger voice in shaping local services.
"This role is not just about compliance, it's about leadership," said Cllr Browne.
"It's about listening to people with disabilities and delivering real, practical improvements across our towns and villages."
The motion will be considered by councillors at the next meeting of Tipperary County Council, where members will have the opportunity to debate the proposal before voting on whether to support it.
Cllr Browne said he hopes the council can become a leader in accessibility and inclusion.
"We should be the best in class, and inclusion must be at the heart of everything we do," he said.