Fleadh Accessibility Hub at Westmeath County Buildings

Westmeath County Council in association with Westmeath Childcare Committee and CYPSC have co-funded the provision of an AccessoLoo at this year’s fleadh. The AccessoLoo will be located at Westmeath County buildings/Westmeath County Childcare offices at the bottom of Mount St (beside the Arts Centre). With the following facilities:

- Adult changing table: 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.

- Ceiling hoist: 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.

- Lavatory: A flushing toilet with a changeable cassette that has eco-chemicals to maintain freshness and hygiene, centrally placed to allow access from either side.

- Grab rails: Placed at the lavatory and sink to assist with transferring and maintaining balance for those who are able to stand.

- Hot & cold running water: Users and their attendants can wash hands, moisten cleaning cloths and flannels, and keep themselves clean and maintain hygiene.

- Heating and lighting: To keep our units lit for those darker nights and warm for the colder weather events.

- Enough space: 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 and feeding babies and children with additional needs.

Parking

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 the 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 Paul’s Church for concert-goers also.

Gig Rig viewing area

There will be a specific accessible viewing area cordoned off at the front of the Gig Rig. Seating and space for wheelchairs will be provided in this area.

Sensory room

Mullingar Library have a state-of-the-art sensory room available in the library.

Wheelchair hire

There will be a limited number of transit wheelchairs available to hire at the Accessibility Hub.