The Dublin City PPN Disability Thematic Group (DTG) marked #MakeWayDay with a well-attended awareness event on Friday, 26 May at Finglas Youth Resource Centre. The event formed part of ongoing efforts to promote accessibility and inclusion across the city while highlighting the importance of creating a public realm that is accessible to everyone.
Supported by Larry from the Dublin City Council Area Office, the gathering brought together community members, disability advocates, local residents, and interested stakeholders to discuss the everyday obstacles that many disabled people encounter when navigating Dublin’s streets and public spaces. The event also linked with the wider vision of “Dublin City – A Thriving City for All,” which seeks to ensure that all residents can participate fully in community life regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.
The central focus of the presentation delivered by the Disability Thematic Group was the range of physical barriers that can prevent disabled people from moving safely and independently through the city. While these obstacles are often overlooked by the general public, they can have a significant impact on the daily lives of people with disabilities, limiting access to services, employment, education, recreation, and social activities.
Among the issues highlighted were wheelie bins left on footpaths, which can force wheelchair users, parents with buggies, and people with mobility impairments into the roadway. Cars parked on pavements were identified as another common problem, creating obstructions that make footpaths inaccessible and unsafe. Participants also discussed overhanging hedges and vegetation, which can block pathways and create difficulties for people with visual impairments or those using mobility aids. Bicycles left in unsuitable locations were also cited as a growing challenge, particularly when they restrict access along already narrow footpaths.
Through practical examples and discussion, the Disability Thematic Group encouraged participants to consider how seemingly minor actions can have major consequences for accessibility. The presentation reinforced the message that creating inclusive public spaces is a shared responsibility and that everyone has a role to play in ensuring streets and footpaths remain accessible for all users.
The event provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about #MakeWayDay, the annual campaign that raises awareness about obstacles in the public realm and encourages people to think about accessibility from the perspective of disabled citizens. Participants were encouraged to identify barriers within their own communities and to support efforts aimed at improving accessibility throughout the city.
In addition to raising awareness of physical accessibility issues, the Disability Thematic Group used the event to highlight the establishment of the new Dublin Disabled Persons’ Organisation (DPO). Attendees were informed about the purpose of the organisation and its role in strengthening the voice and representation of disabled people across Dublin. The group emphasised the importance of disabled people leading and shaping discussions on issues that affect their lives and encouraged interested individuals to become involved.
The event concluded with a positive discussion on the importance of advocacy, participation, and collective action. By combining awareness-raising with practical information and opportunities for involvement, the Disability Thematic Group once again demonstrated its commitment to promoting accessibility, equality, and inclusion. The #MakeWayDay event served as a valuable reminder that small changes in behaviour and planning can make a significant difference in creating a city that truly works for everyone.