Donegal County Council is set to explore the options for providing parking spaces for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in towns across the county.
The move comes following a motion by Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly which was passed by the council yesterday.
Cllr Kelly called for parking bays to be designated for those with a diagnosis and who hold ASD permits from ASD Ireland.
Cllr Kelly pointed out that finding parking can be a stressful experience for families and individuals with autism.
“It’s vital that these bays are provided on our main streets, particularly close to doctors and banks etc. The process to apply for the parking permits is very simple for families but it is also very strict and all relevant information has to be provided before the permit is secured,” Cllr Kelly said.
Cllr Kelly said his motion was prompted by his engagement with the autism support group in Letterkenny and the Springboard Family Support Service and local families.
The council heard that there are a number of autism-friendly bays in privately operated car parks in Inishowen.
“We are all aware that we have disability bays in our towns and throughout Donegal but these bays do not enable people with autism that has a parking badge or a permit to park in them,” Cllr Kelly told the plenary council meeting on Monday.
Cllr Kelly said he fully agreed with the need for a separate parking bay for people with ASD and highlighted the work of ASD Ireland which provides such bays in other counties.
“I’m told this company will supply these parking bays free of charge but they need permission from Donegal County Council or businesses or private property owners,” Cllr Kelly said.
“I am asking that the council reach out to ASD Ireland have the conversation and give the go-ahead for the much-needed parking ays in Donegal, particularly on our main streets and towns.”
Cllr Kelly also asked the council to put information about the spaces in the public domain, seeking businesses, hospitals and schools to come on board.
The local authority is now set to write to the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on the matter.
