Who is Waterford local election candidate Karl Cretzan?

Disability activist, Karl Cretzan is running on behalf of Sinn Fein in the upcoming local elections, with the aim of becoming a voice for people with disabilities in Waterford.

Karl, who has cerebral palsy, has been involved in various disability groups since his youth. In the past he has spoken out against the lack of accessibility on public buses and discrimination when it comes to HSE service provision for disabled adults.

He comments, “I am always looking out for things that aren't accessible for wheelchair users and people with disabilities, so that I can contact the right person to get it fixed. From fixing street lights to potholes in the road, to inaccessible footpaths for wheelchair users and people with disabilities." 

He adds that people with disabilities have been largely left behind by the HSE, an issue he hopes to address should he get elected.

“Every day is a struggle to deal with the HSE and other bodies to get repairs done to my wheelchairs and other equipment, waiting weeks or months for appointments and assessments for wheelchairs, technology and more. 

"The funding is available but nothing gets approved. Every piece of equipment is vital to live more independently but bodies such as the HSE do not see this.” 

Karl also cites a lack of support for carers and a shortage of funding for UHW as key areas of interest.

He said, “I want to try my best to represent the people in my area and Waterford. 

"I'm young and I have a different perspective of things due to my disability, which I think would bring a lot to the table."

Karl’s Director of Elections, Conor Hutchinson Wall, added: “Being with Karl, I have learned so much about the struggles that people with disabilities and people in wheelchairs have to go through everyday, and to have that representation in the council is so important because no one else can understand that struggle.”