Binchy joins bid to increase access to premises

A new initiative aimed at encouraging local businesses to provide better access to their premises for those with mobility problems has been announced.

Best-selling author Maeve Binchy joined with the Lord Mayor of Dublin Eiblin Byrne at the Mansion House this morning to announce details of the Access Matters campaign.

The initiative, which is backed by Dublin City Council, is aiming to create a network of businesses across the capital which offer easy access to those with mobility difficulties, including people in wheelchairs, the elderly and parents with buggies.

As part of the campaign over 1,000 businesses across the city which offer easy access to their premises have been included in a new online directory. Businesses included in the guide will be provided with a sticker to display at their places of work.

Speaking at the campaign's launch, Ms Binchy called on venues to make more of an effort to ensure that everyone can enter their premises.

“All of us at some stage in our lives face the challenge of identifying venues and businesses that are accessible. We all have a right to enjoy our city regardless of age or ability," she said.

Supporters of the new initiative include the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Dublin Tourism and the Dublin City Centre Business Association.

According to Dublin City Council, over 40 per cent of the city's population have some kind of mobility and access challenges.

A survey undertaken on behalf of the council to coincide with the initiative reveals that 90 per cent of respondents feel that people would benefit from knowing the level of accessibility provided at a venue or business before leaving their home.

In addition, over half of the survey respondents also said they believed that that equal access would have a positive benefit not just in terms of social inclusion, but also with regard to tourism.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Eibhlin Byrne, called for more city venues and businesses to sign up for the campaign in a bid to make the capital the most accessible city in the world.

“We are calling on more businesses to join and improve their offering to customers nationally and internationally. Why would a business not want to achieve this competitive advantage? It is a positive initiative to promote accessibility and we would encourage all businesses to consider joining the directory," said Ms Byrne.

"Improving access for everyone, regardless of age or ability, is of huge economic and business importance and will make the city a better place,” she added.