Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that urgent action is required to address the trip and fall hazards in Grattan Square. He said that Waterford City and County Council must prioritise this remedial work before somebody is left with a serious injury as a result of a fall.
McGuinness said:
“Its very clear to me that the paving and finish in Grattan Square is like an obstacle course to those with reduced mobility, or to those using wheelchairs, buggies, prams or wheeled mobility aids.
“Rarely a week goes passed without a report of a trip or a fall. Luckily most people can are able to avoid injury but every so often someone gets hurt.
“I know from older people and people with reduced mobility who have made a conscious decision to avoid Grattan Square because they don’t feel they can move around it safely. Some of them have tripped or fallen already and don’t want to risk a repeat. Others have encountered difficulties in using their mobility aids on the pavement.
“Its unacceptable in this day and age for anyone to be excluded from the main public space in a town. We cannot have a situation where citizens of this town are unable to use the public realm.
“I have requested information from the Council on the total cost of claims arising from trips and falls, and the knock on impact on the cost of insurance for the Council. We cannot be throwing good money after bad without addressing the issue in question.
“I have spoken with a number of other councillors bout this issue in recent days and my intention is to make addressing this situation a priority for the Council.”
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 