A new all-terrain wheelchair to help people living with a disability enjoy the blue-flag Redbarn Beach in Youghal has been put into service.
The wheelchair is the first one of its kind in East Cork and is the result of a partnership between Cork County Council, the Disability Federation of Ireland, Cork Sports Partnership, The Irish Wheelchair Association and the Quality Hotel & Leisure Centre Redbarn.
The ‘Hippocampe Beach and All Terrain Wheelchair’ helps individuals with disabilities to access the beach and allows users to share experiences with family and friends. The seat is composed of thick and hydrophobic foam that does not absorb water and dries quickly, allowing those who use it to enjoy both the sandy shoreline and the crystal-clear waters of Redbarn.
First to use the chair were Leanne Hehir and 12-year-old Scarlet Beecher. Scarlet said she was delighted to be able to enjoy the beach in such a comfortable chair, adding that she “hoped no one else would book it so she could stay in it all day”.
Scarlet’s dad Noel added, “This chair is a fantastic addition to the beach and a much need piece of equipment which would make the beach experience a much more enjoyable one for people with mobility issues”
The wheelchair will be available in two-hour slots, free of charge, for the duration of the beach guard season.
Anyone looking to book the new all-terrain wheelchair is asked to make a booking in advance through The Quality Hotel & Leisure Centre Redbarn on 024-93095.
Picture : Leanne Hehir, Youghal, trying out the new beach wheelchair at Redbarn Beach in Youghal with Niall Healy, Director Of Services with Cork County Council, Áine O’Sullivan, Disability Federation of Ireland, Helen Mulcahy, Senior Staff Officer with Cork County Council East Cork Municipal District, Sean O’Callaghan, Senior Executive Officer with Cork County Council, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, Deputising for the Mayor Of The County Of Cork, Kate Feeney, Sports Inclusion Officer with Cork Sports Partnership, and Barry Power, Club Vitae Manager with the Quality Hotel in Youghal.
