Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
An area cordoned off to accommodate people with autism and their families during the spectacular Christmas in Killarney parades was a fantastic success and it was greatly appreciated by the many people that made use of it, Killarney Municipal District Council has been told.
While the streets were packed five-deep during the weekly parades, Cllr Marie Moloney said the families were able to enjoy the seasonal celebrations in a quiet, calm area on the grounds of the Áras Phádraig on Lewis Road.
From that vantage point they were able to take in all the magic, including the spectacular floats, the Disney characters, the colourful vintage tractors and, of course, Santa Claus himself on his giant sleigh.
“The feedback was amazing and it was inclusion at its best,” she said, adding that the families were so relieved to have such a calm area, properly lit and decorated with a canopy to keep them dry in the event of rain, at their disposal.
Cllr Moloney said it was great appreciated that the municipal district council provided the use of the area and the Christmas in Killarney committee gave the project every possible support and really rowed in behind the idea.
Those that availed of the facility were treated to hot chocolate, streets and treats and bubbles to create their own atmosphere.
Cllr John O’Donoghue remarked: ”It would fill you with Christmas cheer. It is really important from an inclusivity point of view”.
Cllr Moloney asked council officials if an autism friendly area could be provided on an ongoing basis for all festival parades in the town.
“The front of the ANAM centre on East Avenue Road would be ideal for the St Patrick’s Day parade and the area in front of the courthouse was another possibility,” Cllr Moloney suggested.
Council officials said they would liaise with the St Patrick’s Day committee in relation to the request and the provision of an autism friendly section would be included in future discussions with all festivals and vents in the town.
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