Sligo County Council is proud to announce the launch of its Disability Inclusion and Access Strategy 2024-2027 which was adopted by members of Sligo County Council at its April meeting. The Strategy was officially launched by Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Cllr Gerard Mullaney at County Hall on Thursday 16th May, 2024.
Developed under the auspices of the Council’s Disability Consultative Committee, Chaired by Councillor Declan Bree, this strategy marks a significant commitment by the Council towards making Sligo a more inclusive and accessible place for all residents.
In his opening remarks, The Cathaoirleach emphasised the Council’s dedication to leadership in disability inclusion at a local level.
“This Strategy represents the commitment of the Council in providing leadership at a local level to make Sligo a more inclusive place”.
The Strategy reaffirms the Council’s dedication to the social model of disability, first adopted by Sligo County Council in 2018. Sligo takes pride in being one of the first councils to embrace this model, focusing on removing barriers and promoting equality.
Key themes of the Strategy include:
• Equality and Choice
• Joined up Policies and Public Services
• Employment
• Person – Centred Disability Services
• Living in the community
• Transport and Accessible Places.
Additionally, the Strategy incorporates further actions proposed by the Disability Consultative Committee.
A key aspect of the strategy’s development was an extensive public consultation process which ensured meaningful engagement with all stakeholders and the wider community. This included significant input from the disability sector, with insights from the lived experiences of Sligo Disabled Persons Organisation (Sligo DPO) and the Independent Living Movement of Ireland (ILMI).
Speaking on the occasion, Councillor Declan Bree, Chair of the Disability Consultative Committee thanked all those who contributed to the making of the strategy and in particular Sligo DPO, ILMI and all those who made submissions via the public consultation process. He further thanked the Disability Consultative Committee along with members of the Strategic Policy Committee for Housing and Corporate and its Chair, Councillor Arthur Gibbons. Councillor Bree highlighted the Strategy’s significance noting that
“The strategy is a very important landmark for Sligo County Council in leading local policy making and to ensure greater accessibility to enhance the lives of disabled people in County Sligo.”
For further information on the Sligo Disability Inclusion and Access Strategy 2024-2027 please click on the link below. The Strategy is also available in an Easy to Read format.
SCC Disability Inclusion & Accessability-Approved SCC April 24
