Accessible benches KCC funded seating in Newbridge
Seating purchased by the Access Group through KCCs Community & Cultural grant in 2021 was installed at St Conleth’s Church and Military Rd and as a result matching funding from Rotary Club of Newbridge provided accessible seats at the Sports Centre and Lakeside-Highfield Dara Park area. Liz Mc Donald Local Service Leader with KARE said the seating was ‘a great resting place for all in the community.’ KARE staff and members were asked to help recommend locations for the seating. The seating was provided at key locations and installed by Newbridge Town engineer & crew.
- Close to St Conleths Church, Bus stop and schools where people congregate so that disabled people can rest and socialise
- At Military Rd which is close to KARE central offices, Whitewater shopping centre and a bus stop for Kilcullen
- Lakeside Park close to Newbridge Family Resource Centre and a large housing development
- Newbridge Sports Centre close to a large Medical Centre and sheltered housing.
A video was produced to showcase the weeks activities with a thankyou message to everyone involved from Martin Kelly Chairperson, an interview with Dearbhail Dowling about the Transition Year Disability awareness pilot programme at Holy Family School and a message from Mayor Rob Power encouraging all to be more inclusive.
Newbridge Access Group members identified a need to install benches in St Conleths graveyard and succeeded in getting LPT funding for 3 benches made from recycled plastic. They were installed by the local area office crew. The benches have arms to make it easier for people to get in and out and are installed on a level concrete plinth with space either side for a wheelchair or rollator. These seats are particularly useful during the annual graveyard mass and funerals.
