Our-Council_1600x400

MAYOR CAITRIONA JONES CELEBRATES ACCESSIBILITY IN SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY

MAYOR CAITRIONA JONES CELEBRATES ACCESSIBILITY IN SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY

Back to List

25/07/2011

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

 Mayor Caitriona Jones officially hosts a celebration of accessibility in the Camac Valley Caravan and Camping Park on Friday 22nd July 2011 

 

Over the past year South Dublin County Council has undertaken a significant programme of access works to facilitate the diverse needs of disabled visitors to the Camac Valley Caravan and Camping Park. The overall aim of the project was to create a facility that disabled tourists could visit and enjoy in complete independence and we are confident that this has been achieved.

The award winning Camac Valley Caravan and Camping Park is Ireland's first municipal tourist caravan and camping park, servicing both foreign and domestic tourists. The facility opened in 1996 and occupies 15 acres in the south western area of Corkagh Park, on the Green Isle Link Road off the Naas Road Dual Carriageway (N7). Visitors come to the Park from 40 countries around the world, with over 85,000 visitors staying since the beginning of 2006.

 

The Park is a wonderful amenity, in a quiet setting on the edge of Clondalkin, and a perfect location for visitors to Dublin city and the wider country.

 

General facilities on site include:

  • 113 caravan parking bays and approximately 50 pitches for tents;
  • A touring bus area (a particular feature of school tours from continental Europe);
  • Caravan bays and tent locations are serviced with mains water and electricity, and chemical toilet disposal points are readily available;
  • Toilets and showers both in the Main building and in the purpose built shower block;
  • Campers kitchenette and laundry room;
  • Playground, Putting Green and Volleyball Court.

 

The significant works which have been carried out were funded by the National Disability Strategy and Fáilte Ireland.

 

Access improvements, underpinned by the principles of universal design include:

  • enhanced ramped access to the main building and shower block;
  • accessible campers kitchenette;
  • induction hearing loop in reception;
  • accessible reception desk;
  • Braille and tactile way finding signage;
  • accessible chemical toilet disposal point; and
  • 7 accessible toilets and 6 accessible level entry showers.

 

During 2010 access works were also carried out in the adjoining Corkagh Park. Access to the playground, Visitors Centre, Fishery and Pet Farm was greatly increased and disabled people caravanning or camping at the Camac Valley Park can explore and enjoy the wonderful natural resource and its’ various activities.

 

The facility has been shortlisted for an award in the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards 2011 (in the Outstanding Customer Service category) due to the programme of access works.

 

Camac Valley is an excellent example of tourism for all, and universal access, in close proximity to a variety of leisure, retail, and tourist amenities, which provides easy access to the island of Ireland thus making tourists’ visits to our County a more quality experience. Initial feedback from disabled visitors to the Park has been very positive.

 

South Dublin County Council has a proven track record in promoting accessibility i.e. Jobot’s Access All Areas, online video access guides, the establishment of the South Dublin County Disability Advisory / Consultative Panel, and a considerable programme of access works undertaken across the County since 2005 (including significant access improvements to Tallaght Stadium).

 

Guided tours of the Camac Valley Caravan and Camping Park will be available during the Celebration of Accessibility, and examples of adapted campervans will be present.

                                                                                                                               

For further information visit http://accessible.southdublin.ie or contact: Selina Bonnie, Disability Liaison / Access Officer tel: 4149041 or email: sbonnie@sdublincoco.ie

Images

  • Brian and Vinnie attend to Cathal Mc Donagh
    Brian and Vinnie attend to Cathal Mc Donagh
  • Mayor Caitriona Jones with Jenny Corrigan Cathal McDonagh Frank Burke Tom Cannon and helpers
    Mayor Caitriona Jones with Jenny Corrigan Cathal McDonagh Frank Burke Tom Cannon and helpers
  • Mayor Caitriona Jones with Tom and Attracta Cannon
    Mayor Caitriona Jones with Tom and Attracta Cannon