Limerick City and County Council is supporting the Disability Federation of Ireland’s campaign of Make Way Day today (Friday 30th September 2022).
The Make Way Day campaign aims to highlight the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share.
Advocates will be all over the country drawing attention to the problems caused by things left on the footpath.
The Council is reminding people to be conscious of where you leave things on footpaths around the city and county.
For wheelchair users, the elderly, people with mobility issues, parents with buggies and children, having to navigate around a car or van blocking the footpath unnecessarily puts them on the road where they are being put in additional danger.
The day will draw attention to the challenges posed by things left on the footpath. This includes sandwich boards along a city street, cars parked on the footpath, or a wheelie bin left out other than on collection day, which result in those in a wheelchair or a parent walking with a buggy, having to go onto the road or street to get around the obstacle.
The scourge of dog poo on footpaths is also being highlighted by wheelchair users who are left with poo on the wheels and on their hands by the selfishness of certain dog owners who refuse to clean up after their dogs.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Francis Foley said: “We all have a duty to be considerate of others in our community. Sometimes we do things without thinking, so we might think a little harder if we realise our actions are adversely affecting others. We all need to make way for others. It’s the right thing to do.”
The hashtag #MakeWayDay is being used on social media to raise the issues in the public domain.