This year we are working to make the Fleadh as accessible as possible with the provision of an Accessibility Hub at Westmeath County Council/ Westmeath County Childcare Offices at the bottom of Mount St.
The Accessibility Hub will be open 12 noon to 8pm daily during the Fleadh.
Westmeath County Council in association with Westmeath Childcare Committee and CYPSC have co-funded the provision of an AccessoLoo at this year’s event.
The AccessoLoo will be located at Westmeath County Buildings/ Westmeath County Childcare offices at the bottom of Mount Street ( beside the Arts Centre) . With the following facilities.
A hydraulic bed with wipe clean surface to suit any user from child to a fully grown adult complete with paper roll to maintain hygiene and privacy screen when required.
An electric hoist capable of lifting people from their wheelchairs to either toilet or changing table. Making life easier for attendants and more dignified for the user.
A flushing toilet with a changeable cassette which has eco-chemicals to maintain freshness and hygiene. Centrally placed to allow access from either side.
Placed at the lavatory and sink to assist with transferring and maintaining balance for those who are able to stand.
Users and their attendants can wash hands, moisten cleaning cloths and flannels and keep themselves clean and maintain hygiene.
To keep our units lit for those darker nights and warm for the colder weather events.
For a disabled person and any companions or assistants to be able to move around freely without having to negotiate obstacles.
The AccessoLoo provider has highlighted that users should bring their slings with them if required.
Furthermore, there will be numerous Accessible Portaloos at the event including in the Accessible Car Parks at the Gig Rig and at any event sites.
The Westmeath Childcare Committee Office will also be providing a baby care area and an area for changing disabled children which will be manned by volunteers. This will be a safe and comfortable space for changing & feeding babies, and children with additional needs.
Accessible parking will be available at Friar Mill Rd Car Park. (Last year’s Gig Rig 2 Location opposite TEG Cusack Park)
Some accessible parking will also be provided at Supervalu Car Park Austin Friars St and at the rear of the County Buildings (Council Staff Car Park). These locations will be reserved for blue badge holders however the car park supervisors will use their discretion when it comes to those who have mobility issues but may not have a badge.
All of the shuttle buses servicing the outer car parks will be low floored accessible buses also.
Parking will be available for concert goers with mobility issues at the Cathedral. Concert goers should show their concert ticket and blue badge at Harbour St Barrier (beside Dunnes Stores). As above discretion will be used where patrons may have mobility issues but no badge. Parking is available at St Pauls Church for concert goers also.
There will be a specific accessible viewing area cordoned off at the front of the Gigi Rig. Seating and space for wheelchairs will be provided in this area.
Mullingar Library have a state-of-the-art sensory room available in the library.
Content Last Updated/Reviewed: 09/08/2023
