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Parking spaces for drivers with hidden disabilities rolled out in Bray

Councillors  Aoife Flynn Kennedy and Melanie Corrigan, on Eglinton Road, Bray.

Tom Galvin
© Bray People

Hidden disability spaces have finally been rolled out in Bray, after lengthy campaigns by councillors Aoife Flynn Kennedy and Melanie Corrigan, who first called for spaces to be introduced into the district as far back as 2021. Both are strong advocates for inclusion and accessibility and have personal and professional experience in the area of disability.

With one in five people in Ireland living with some form of disability, 80pc of whom live with a non-visible disability, both councillors have worked to highlight and improve access issues across the district.

Hidden disability parking provides parking in key locations for individuals whose disability is hidden but who require strategically placed parking to access services, as Cllr Flynn Kennedy explained.

“Some people with a disability may not qualify for a Blue Badge, so these courtesy parking spaces provide a safe and accessible place to park. While the hidden disability spaces require paid parking, with the Pay and Display ticket machine located close to these spaces, we would ask the general public to respect the spaces and leave them for those with hidden disabilities.”

Cllr Corrigan added: “These spaces are for individuals and families with hidden conditions like autism, a sensory disability, an acquired brain injury or other difficulties, who wouldn't have a disabled badge, but would need to be able to park nearer to facilities.”

Both Councillors commended local resident and campaigner Bernadette Nolan McGrath, as well Tristan Casson-Rennie from The Hidden Disability Sunflower Team, Ireland & Northern Ireland, for their support.

Spaces have now been installed on Eglington Road, Bray and in the Herbert Road Car Park. They are easily identified by their green colour and adjoining sign highlighting that they are for hidden disabilities.