Madam, - On a recent visit to our National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown, four years after the Equal Status Act 2000 was passed, and one year after our Special Olympics extravaganza put us on the international stage in the area of disability, I was appalled, outraged and very disillusioned to find that facilities needed for children and adults who require assistance in dressing, undressing and accessing the amenities, are minimal, in fact, non-existent.
One-and-a-half years after the centre was opened by, no doubt, some dignitary who was driven to the front door, cut a ribbon, smiled for photos, had a glass of bubbly and drove off to the next function, our National Aquatic Centre still has no shower chairs, hoists or plinths/benches to facilitate children and adults who need them in order to be able to enjoy the "privilege" of using this national facility.
The doors of the "family changing rooms" are too narrow to allow a wheelchair in! Money from the nation built this centre. People with disabilities or their tax-paying parents are not getting what they paid for. This is blatant injustice and discrimination.
I urge people to demand that this sad matter be put to right, not a.s.a.p, but immediately. - Yours, etc.,
ENA HOLLAND, Barton Drive, Rathfarnham.