Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Doolan-Blind put at risk by City Council's decision

Published: 21 June, 2005

Sinn Féin's Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, today called on, "the Dublin City Council to stop putting blind and visually impaired people at risk and immediately reactivate all audible signals at pedestrian crossings in the City."

Speaking this morning, Cllr. Doolan said:

"Dublin's Director of Traffic, Owen Keegan, has decided to switch off audible crossing having received complaints from fully sighted people, claiming to be confused when audible signals are close together. I believe this is totally discriminatory and unacceptable, ever since the audible crossing were introduced in Dublin they have provided a safe and stress free way for the blind and visually impaired to cross roads and streets in the city. The consequence of the Assistant Manager's decision has had a marked effect on the quality of life for the visually impaired community in Dublin. A large section of this city are now curtailed from going about their daily life, if fully sighted people were stopped from going about their business there would be uproar but it appears acceptable to force blind people to stay at home.

"Having spoken to several members of the blind community I fear it is only a matter of time before a blind person is involved in an accident resulting from the switching off of these essential aids. People are frightened, frustrated and angered by City Council's decision. Visually impaired people have a right to expect the same level of road safety as those with no sight problems, unfortunately that is not the case here in Dublin. The situation must be rectified immediately. "

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan, demanded the City Manager, "to intervene as a matter of urgency and reactivate the audible crossing before someone is seriously injured on our streets."