Cruel blow for people with disabilities

A NORTHSIDE swimming pool specifically designed for people with physical and intellectual disabilities is now closed at weekends due to savage cutbacks imposed on St Michael’s House.

Users of the pool in Belcamp are devastated following the closure, which will seriously impact on the quality of lives of the most vulnerable.

The pool, which has access ramps, hoists and fun water features, is an invaluable resource that provides an inclusive recreation facility for families of people with physical or intellectual disabilities.

A Northside parent, who did not wish to be named, described how it has impacted on her family’s life.

“With closure on Saturdays, when are parents who work Monday to Friday going to bring their children to use it?

? she asked.

“We brought our son there every Saturday, now we can’t use it any more.

“It’s a shame as it is fully equipped with hoists. What other pool has these facilities for people with special needs?

“It was also a social outlet for parents with special needs children who would meet over a cup of coffee after the swim.

“This gave an opportunity to these parents to share information and offer support to each other.

?

Another parent from Swords described how his weekly visit to the pool with his son was a bonding experience.

“Routine can be very important for children with intellectual disabilities so this is a big blow for many people,

? he said.

“It’s not just the service users who benefit but it’s also a vital support and social outlet for the parents and relatives who visit the pool and have got to know each other as a result.

?

According to St Michael’s House, the move, while regrettable, was unavoidable given that its services have been the subject of cutbacks in excess of e11 million over the last four years.

As a result, the staff has been reduced by one full-time and one part-time member.

“Our priority is to keep the swimming pool open and maintain available swimming hours during the week from Monday to Thursday,

? the chief executive stated in a letter to local public representatives.

“In our communication with families we have asked them to make contact with the manager of the leisure centre to see if there is any alternative time during the week that might suit them,

? the letter reads.

“We regret it was not possible to give more advance notice of the closure to families.

“In conclusion, we are in negotiation with some outside groups with a view to generating income for the days the pool will be closed which will help us maintain the current services.

?

In an effort to compensate families who are affected by the weekend closure, the opening hours of the pool will be increased on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Local Senator Averil Power (FF) said the reduction in the pool’s opening hours was just another example of how Government cuts were forcing St Michael’s House to reduce a wide range of services for people with disabilities.

“The swimming pool is a fantastic facility that is highly valued by its users and their families,

? she stated.

“I know St Michael’s House are doing their best to minimise the impact of the reduced hours on users but I think it is a real shame that they have been forced to cut the hours.

?

Dublin North West TD Dessie Ellis (SF) described the closure of the pool at weekends as a

“new low

? in the knock-on effects of budget cuts.

“These people are the most vulnerable in our society and there is no way they should have to pay the price for our economic burdens,

? he said.