Downings beach will be unveiling its first beach wheelchair this weekend to allow people with disabilities to visit and enjoy the area.

On Friday 26 May, Donegal County Council will unveil a new beach wheelchair for use at Downings beach.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Terence Slowey has thanked Meritcom for kindly sponsoring this new wheelchair which will allow people with a disability the opportunity to enjoy the splendour of Downings beach.

Image: Failte Ireland

“We are blessed in Donegal to have beautiful beaches and they are places where we can spend quality time with our friends and family.  It is not always so easy for people with a disability to visit a beach.  This wheelchair will be a great facility to have at any beach and I am sure it will make a great difference to those who need to use it.  I would like to sincerely thank Meritcom for their generosity in sponsoring this beach wheelchair”.

Martin Donnelly CEO with Meritcom is delighted to be sponsoring this beach wheelchair saying “Meritcom are proud to be involved in the sponsorship of this fantastic resource for Downing’s beach. Our employees are regular users of the beach and we look forward to seeing the wheelchair being used so that everyone can enjoy this beautiful location.”

Image: Failte Ireland

The launch of this new beach wheelchair is part of the Council’s initiative to improve beach access for visitors of all abilities. Thirteen beaches along our coast are now fully wheelchair accessible and work is continuing on more beaches.

This beach wheelchair will be available for use by appointment and will be stored locally by Jaws Water-sports/Sheephaven Coffee Company in Downings.  You can book this wheelchair by contacting Jamie Bassett on (087) 1808 140.

The official unveiling will take place on Friday 26 May at 7.30pm at Downings beach car park.