Sir, – Recently, I was walking home from college through Donnybrook village and I was stopped by a very pleasant man who was in need of assistance. This man happened to be in a wheelchair. He asked, very nicely, if I might go into the Garda station on his behalf and ask for someone in the station to come out to him, as he could not go in himself. If I remember correctly, he had some passport related inquiry to make.
I was so taken aback by this request, that it took me a moment to respond. I cannot believe that a public building like a Garda station, especially in such a highly populated area as Donnybrook does not have wheelchair access. I am appalled by this lack of access for anyone unable to deal with the large stone step up to the station, and again the steps at the station door. Accessibility is something that needs to be addressed in the design of all new structures, but surely it must also be addressed in the upgrade of existing buildings, especially buildings that house public services?
I wish to express my disappointment at Donnybrook Garda station and those responsible for the building who have failed to address this issue. I am lucky enough to have had only positive experiences with the Donnybrook gardaí in my time living and working locally, but I see now I am also lucky to have been able to access the service in the first place. – Yours, etc,