New wheelchairs available in Clonea mean everyone can experience the joys of the beach
Emily Ahearne with her parents Ann and Liam at the launch of the Clonea Beach Wheelchair Pilot Scheme. Photo: David Clynch
A fantastic new initiative has been launched in Waterford, which will help wheelchair users and individuals with mobility challenges to fully experience and enjoy the beach environment at Clonea.
Deputy Mayor John Pratt was joined by very special guests during the official launch of the scheme this week at Clonea Beach; Anne and Liam Ahearn, who, alongside their daughter Emily, a wheelchair user, played a key role in bringing the important initiative to fruition.
The Beach Wheelchair Pilot Scheme is providing wheelchairs at Clonea beach that are specially designed to provide access across sand and into the sea, making the beach available for people who may previously have been unable to enjoy it.
Funded by Waterford City and County Council, the initiative has been delivered alongside CoMotion Mobility Solutions, who supplied the durable, lightweight, amphibious beach wheelchairs.
Launching the scheme, Deputy Mayor Pratt said: “It is often said that the true measure of any society is how we treat the most vulnerable among us. This initiative is a clear and meaningful reflection of that principle in action.
“This new beach wheelchair, along with the access system that supports it, provides practical assistance for people with mobility issues. Just as importantly, it promotes dignity, independence, and inclusion.”
Gabriel Hynes, Director of Services with Waterford City and County Council added: "Days like today remind us how fortunate we are to have such beautiful beaches and coastline in Waterford. Spending time at the beach is an experience that should be available to everyone.
“The introduction of the beach wheelchairs at Clonea ensures that wheelchair users and people with limited mobility can fully enjoy all that our beaches have to offer.”
The beach wheelchair is available to use by downloading the STEED app from the Google Play or App store.
The app allows access to a solar powered smart cabinet in Clonea where the beach wheelchairs are stored.
The STEED app can be downloaded from the Google Play or App store or by visiting https://steed.ie
(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)
