Sinn Féin councillor Sarah Duffy has said the council must ensure there are better services and facilities in place for families and carers of those with additional sensory needs for future events.
The Armagh City councillor spoke after a number of complaints were raised about the measures put in place at the funfair in the shambles market last weekend.
Sarah said:
“I was really disappointed to hear that many families were let down by the measures taken during the ‘quiet hour’ at the funfair this weekend.
“People have raised their concerns about the music and lighting not being altered, lack of access to disabled toilets and extra costs being imposed.
“Rather than serving as a ‘quiet hour’ to accommodate those with additional sensory needs, this provided a stressful experience for all involved.
“The council must listen to the voices of the people who have been badly let down by these measures and ensure that this does not happen again.
“Ensuring that there are proper measures put in place to make council organised events accessible to all should be a key part of their preparation for all events.
“I have requested an urgent meeting with the council to discuss this as soon as possible.
“The council must learn from these mistakes and ensure that families, carers, and those with additional sensory needs are not put in such a stressful position again at something that should be enjoyable for all.”
CRÍOCH/ENDS
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