PRIOR to finishing up his term as Leas-Chathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Noel Jordan unveiled a new beach wheelchair at Fintra blue flag beach last Friday.
This is another welcome piece of news for the area to go along with the recent blue flag that Fintra beach has once again been awarded, one of Donegal’s 12 beaches and two marinas to receive the honour this year.
To obtain blue flag standard a beach must meet specific criteria relating to its water quality, beach management, environmental information and safety services.
Cllr Jordan welcomed the new beach wheelchair reiterating the importance accessible beaches are to Donegal County Council.
“Donegal County Council is committed to making our beaches more accessible and ensuring they can be enjoyed by everyone. All measures that permit access to visitors with mobility restrictions, to our beaches, are positive.
“Having another beach with wheelchair availability is one of many steps we are taking to ramp up our inclusivity efforts. I am delighted that this wheelchair at Fintra will now allow more people to create lasting memories here with friends and family.”
Cllr Barry Sweeney, Cathaoirleach of the Donegal Municipal District thanked Council’s Environment section along with the local community for their work on the project to make this new Beach Wheelchair available at Fintra.
He said: “I also wish to acknowledge all the work that goes into maintaining our beaches and I encourage everyone to enjoy these amazing resources. I would also like to acknowledge the role of Council staff in maintaining our beaches together with the local volunteers throughout Donegal who work tirelessly to keep our County looking wonderful.”
Cllr Niamh Kennedy expressed her enthusiasm at seeing another Donegal beach embrace the modern expectations of all top-class beaches.
She said: “This initiative is another fine example of the role our local communities play in helping make our services more accessible. I’d especially like to thank Kevin Kilgunn for facilitating this beach wheelchair and I hope many people can now experience this beautiful beach with ease.”
At Fintra beach an overflow car park will also be in place to meet the demand of the growing number of beach goers as the summer progresses. This car park can be accessed via the clock tower.
This launch sees Donegal’s total number of beaches with wheelchair availability now reach seven, as part of Donegal County Councils continuous commitment to providing beach access to people of all abilities. The others can be found at Rathmullen, Downings, Marble Hill, Carrickfinn, Rossnowlagh and Narin.
The safekeeping of the wheelchair at Fintra beach is being generously provided by Kevin Kilgunn. For all booking enquiries contact Kevin by phone at 087 236 2607.
With a busy summer expected at beaches across the county, Donegal County Council have confirmed that lifeguards will be in place all summer from 1st June on Bundoran and Rossnowlagh between 11am and 7pm.
Lifeguards will also be in place at weekends in June and for all of July and August on beaches at Murvagh, Fintra, Portnoo/Narin, An Charraig Fhinn (Carrickfinn), Trá na Cille (Killahoey), Marblehill, Na Dúnaibh (Downings), Portsalon, Rathmullan, Culdaff and Stroove. Lifeguards will be on duty on these beaches from 12pm to 6:30pm during these days. Lifeguard duty will return to weekends only for the month of September.
