Cork Joins National Campaign to Clear the Way for Disabled People

Tomorrow sees the return of Make Way Day across Cork and Ireland, as the city council partners with disability groups to highlight obstacles that make navigating public spaces difficult for people with disabilities.

The annual campaign, led by the Disability Federation of Ireland, encourages communities nationwide to identify and share barriers that disabled people encounter daily in urban areas. Cork City Council will support the initiative alongside local disability organisations including Cork Access Group and the Independent Living Movement Ireland Cork.

Lord Mayor Cllr Fergal Dennehy said:

"Cork City Council is proud to support Disability Federation Ireland's 'Make Way Day' in Cork City. This important initiative promotes a more inclusive society by encouraging everyone to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share."

The campaign focuses on common obstacles that can turn a simple journey into an exhausting challenge: cars mounted on kerbs blocking footpath access, wheelie bins positioned across walkways, bicycles chained to lamp posts, and overhanging branches creating hazards for visually impaired pedestrians.

Make Way Day aims to raise awareness of how everyday actions can inadvertently create barriers. Rather than pointing fingers, organisers hope to foster understanding of how small changes in behaviour can significantly improve accessibility for everyone.

Pierce Richardson, DFI Diversity and Education Officer, explained:

"Public spaces are for everyone. But they are often not designed with the needs of disabled people in mind. And with obstacles like cars mounted on kerbs or wheelie bins placed in the middle of a footpath, we can unconsciously contribute to an already difficult space for disabled people."

The campaign encourages people to photograph obstacles they encounter and share them on social media. People with disabilities will lead the conversation, sharing their daily experiences of navigating Cork's streets and highlighting areas that need attention.

Cork residents taking part tomorrow will work alongside disability advocates to document problem areas across the city. The initiative represents collaboration between Cork City Council, Cork City Public Participation Network, Cork Disabled Persons Organisation, and Cork Age Friendly City.

Cork City Council reminds motorists that parking on footpaths, in disabled bays without displaying a blue badge, or misusing disabled parking permits carries financial penalties. Such parking forces wheelchair users and others onto roads, creating dangerous situations.

The campaign extends beyond Friday's activities, with organisers hoping the message resonates long after Make Way Day concludes. By highlighting these everyday barriers, Cork communities can work together to create more inclusive public spaces for all residents.

Tomorrow's campaign puts Cork's commitment to accessibility in the spotlight, demonstrating how simple awareness can transform daily experiences for disabled people across the county.