Dear Members,

I hope you and your families are all doing ok during these very strange times. Even though it is difficult to meet as we used to, disABILITY Louth have continued to work on our organisations’ behalf where possible.

On 21^st May 2020, Nicola Mc Donnell, Maureen Gaughran and I participated in a meeting with respect to the changes the council are introducing to keep everyone safe as each phase unrolls to deal with the COVID outbreak.

We discussed the following points for Drogheda & Dundalk:

• An awareness of the council, businesses, and the public about the additional challenges people with disabilities face with social distancing rules.
• New one-way pedestrian systems are on a good will basis. An awareness of those with an intellectual disability / who are on the autism spectrum, who may have a set pattern/habit to be considered.
• Pedestrianisation of town centres should not result in the loss of disabled parking bays. The relocation of them should be as close and amenable as possible to current locations.
• Queuing systems along footpaths mean people inadvertently become an additional obstacle.
• Consideration for the removal of sandwich boards used to advertise businesses to reduce obstacles.
• Cafes and restaurants are requesting moving tables and chairs outside to facilitate social distancing. A discussion took place on arranging these in a safe fashion to facilitate those with mobility issues and sight loss.
• People using assistance dogs to be accommodated in changes.
• Council workers wearing masks to understand the impact this will have on the deaf community as many rely on lip reading for communication.
• Local businesses to consider allowing people with a disability fast tracking the que or providing a click and collect system.

We will be invited to follow up meetings as each phase unrolls.  If you or the members your organisation have a perspective, we can raise on your behalf we will be happy to do so.

Stay safe and well.

Regards,

Olivia Shiel

Chairperson