Blind man sues after audible signals turned off

A blind man has agreed a settlement of €4,000 with Dublin City Council after he sued the local authority for turning off audible crossing signals at pedestrian crossings.

Des Murphy (79), Blackrock, Co Dublin, took a claim of discrimination under the Equal Status Act against the council, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Department of Transport.

Mr Murphy claimed that the council's decision to turn off the audible units at pedestrian crossings in the summer of 2004 caused him great difficulty in getting around the city centre.

The council said it had taken the decision because the audible units were causing confusion for pedestrians when two crossings were close to each other.

Mr Murphy said he found it a "humiliating" experience to have to ask other pedestrians to help him across the road.

"Audio signals are essential. They are not a luxury. It means I am comfortable using public transport while making my way around the centre of the city," he added.

Mr Murphy and Dublin City Council decided to settle the claim without any admission of liability on the council's part after one day of a two-day hearing at the Equality Tribunal.

However, the council has agreed to switch back on audible signals at junctions where the poles are at least three metres apart.

It similarly agreed to take alternative measures, including installing tactile devices where poles are currently less than three metres apart.

The council also promised to consult with the National Council for the Blind of Ireland in relation to any changes it makes in the future to audible traffic signal crossings.

In return, Mr Murphy agreed to withdraw his claims against the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment and Local Government.

Mr Murphy took the case with the support of the Equality Authority.

Authority chief executive Niall Crowley said: "The decision taken by Dublin City Council in relation to the audible units demonstrated a complete disregard for the needs of people with vision impairments.

"Equality for people with disabilities will only be achieved where their needs are accorded a priority and are taken into account in all decision making."

The National Council for the Blind of Ireland also welcomed the settlement.

Its chief executive, Des Kenny, said: "I would like to commend Des Murphy and the Equality Authority for brokering such a positive settlement for blind and vision impaired people.

"Dublin City Council has taken major strides in introducing audible signals throughout the city and this new arrangement will ensure that this positive work continues.

"I hope that other local authorities take notice and will follow Dublin City Council's lead and introduce similar consultative measures in other areas," Mr Kenny said.