Athlone Access Awareness

13/11/2025

I came across the post below on the Disability Federation of Ireland Website, it is certainly worth a read and a listen. Clink the link below to Listen. Appreciate your feedback!

"If I work more than 18 and a half hours, I’m putting myself at risk of losing both my disability payment and my medical card. We’re in a cost of living crisis, and disabled people are living below the poverty line.” — Emma Ward, lived experience advocate.

Emma shared her story on RTE Radio 1 before a discussion with Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D. S***a Clarke TD, and Paul Murphy TD about the Cost of Disability, the impact of Budget 26, and what it means for people trying to work, live independently, and plan for the future.

Throughout the programme, the DFI’s work and research were highlighted, showing just how urgently Ireland needs to .

🎧 Listen back here: Click on Disability Costs RTE

Our panel this week are Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State for Disability and Fine Gael TD for Galway West, S***a Clarke, Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath and Paul Murphy, People Before Profit TD for Dublin South West.

29/07/2025

Have You experienced the following on the streets of Athlone? If so we would be glad to hear from you.

Are you fed up with dog owners not picking up after their pets!

It's an issue frustratingly that is widespread throughout the country.
Arklow Community Centre had the pleasure in recent days of supporting one of our members Leanne in her latest advocacy role, working with the Disability Federation Ireland and Wicklow County Council on the launch of their latest awareness campaign around dog fouling and the effects not picking up after your dog can have on numerous people in your community, including wheelchair users.

It is so annoying when dog p**p gets on the wheels as it can be so difficult to clean.

Is this something that bothers you? Let us know.

In the meantime well done to Leanne and everyone involved in this latest awareness campaign.

16/07/2025

Athlone Access Awareness are planning a similar audit for Athlone town in the near future...

Walkability audit to be conducted in east Mayo town...

The walkability audit will be open to people of all abilities and disabilities.

“This is a great opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by our older population and people with disabilities in our town,” she stated. “Ballyhaunis is a part of the Town Centre First initiative and I would like to thank Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce and Town Centre First Initiative for their support.