A TRIP to the beach is set to become a lot more enjoyable for people with a disability or mobility restrictions.
Fingal County Council has announced the introduction of a free Beach Wheelchair Pilot Scheme for 2016.
The scheme, launched by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Darragh Butler, will be available to visitors at two beaches, South Strand, Skerries and Velvet Strand, Portmarnock.
These specialist chairs are designed to make it easier for beach users with a disability or mobility restrictions to have easier access to and enjoyment of the beach amenity.
There are two chairs available, the DeBug Chair at Skerries and the Hippocampe Chair at Portmarnock. Both chairs are designed for ease of movement. The DeBug Chair ensures easy movement on uneven ground and soft sand, while the Hippocampe Chair also has the added bonus of being designed to be propelled by the user or carer, as well as being lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
The service is free of charge, but you must book in advance and bring with you a valid ID.
The chairs are available between the hours of 11am and 7pm, seven days a week during July and August, and can be booked in slots of up to four hours.
Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid commended the scheme.
“We are actively researching ways to increase accessibility in Fingal,” he said.
“This scheme ensures that all citizens and visitors can avail of the wonderful amenity that our beaches offer.”
Visit www.fingal.ie/community-and-leisure/beaches/ or phone 01-8905891 for more information.