A claim that disability car parking spaces could be used by people with autism, in the absence of designated areas, has been dismissed as “absolute rubbish” by a Killarney councillor.
Cllr Marie Moloney had tabled a motion asking Kerry County Council officials to provide at least one autism friendly space in Killarney’s public car parks in keeping with the town’s Austism Friendly Town status.
Council officials said they are currently preparing a policy document which will consider the appropriate designation of parking spaces for specific uses others than those contained within the traffic signs manual.
”This policy document will consider the use of ASD parking spaces. In the meantime, the disability car parking spaces can be used by individuals with autism,” the council said.
Cllr Moloney insisted, however, that the information provided was inaccurate.
“It is totally incorrect. You will not get a disability badge unless you are totally immobile,” she said.
Cllr Moloney is a member of the Autism Friendly Town Committee which is led by volunteers and supported by AsIAm, Ireland’s national autism charity.
As part of the initiative, businesses and organisations that get involved take measures to provide an environment that considers the needs of local residents and visitors with autism.
The overall goal is to ensure autistic individuals have full access to goods and services in Killarney and that their lived experience is one of support and inclusion across all aspects of daily life.
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