Kilkenny County Council has underlined its strong commitment to ensuring that all members of the community can access services in an inclusive and equitable manner.
This followed a motion tabled at May’s Plenary meeting by Green Party Councillor Maria Dollard, who appealed to the Council to identify a funding source for a full-time Access and Inclusion Officer.
In her motion, Cllr Dollard noted: “That Kilkenny County Council identifies a funding source for the appointment of a dedicated, full-time and fully resourced Access and Inclusion Officer. This motion formally supports the Irish Wheelchair Association’s ‘Access It’s No Joke Campaign’, which highlights the critical need for a dedicated professional in every Local Authority to improve disability access to public services and amenities in our communities.
“This motion calls on Kilkenny County Council to prepare a report on additional measures it has taken to enact the provisions of the Disability Act, 2005, in the last five years, and (that) this report (is) to be shared with Councillors and Disability Groups in the County.”
In response, Director of Services Mary Mulholland told Cllr Dollard that most rural counties “unfortunately” aren’t in a position to have a full-time dedicated access officer but that the Council’s Disability Group was working well across all service areas.
In a statement issued to KCLR News on Friday last, Kilkenny County Council said that an Access Officer has been appointed to coordinate supports and provide guidance for persons with disabilities across every section of the Local Authority.
The Council confirmed that significant enhancements to the accessibility of online information are scheduled for the coming months, including a redesign of its website, which will feature a strong emphasis on improving accessibility for all users.
“The Council’s Disability Strategy, (which is) available on the Kilkenny County Council website, sets out a comprehensive framework for advancing accessibility,” said a Council spokesperson.
“As part of this ongoing commitment, significant enhancements to the accessibility of online information are scheduled for 2026. All Council projects and interventions continue to be guided by the principles of universal design, with particular emphasis on Active Travel Schemes, the Housing Programme and Capital Delivery Projects.
“In line with the implementation of the Parking Control Bye-Laws for Kilkenny City Centre, the Council will also consider the provision of Disability Bays, Age-Friendly Bays, and Sunflower Bays to further support inclusive access for all road users.
“Kilkenny County Council is currently undertaking a comprehensive redesign of its website, with a strong emphasis on improving accessibility for all users. The new website aims to ensure that information and services are easily accessible, inclusive, and compliant with relevant accessibility standards.
“As part of this redesign, a public consultation process is now underway. This engagement seeks to gather feedback from customers and stakeholders to better understand their needs, challenges, and expectations when using the Council’s website.
“The Council is also investing in staff training to support the creation of accessible digital content to produce publications and online materials that are clear, usable, and accessible to people with a wide range of abilities.
“Kilkenny County Council remains dedicated to fostering a community where everyone can participate fully and independently.”
Prior to the issuing of this statement, which also features in full on the below audio, KCLR News spoke to Cllr Dollard about the motion she tabled at the May meeting.
