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THE USE OF ‘kissing’ gates in Dublin’s Dodder Valley Park has been criticised for making it “impossible” for wheelchair users to use a greenway in the area.
Journalist Ellis Palmer Babe, who is a wheelchair user, posted a video of himself on Twitter trying to get through a ‘kissing gate’, which he encountered while cycling on the Dodder Greenway with members of South Dublin County Council.
Kissing gates are designed to control access to certain areas. They usually consist of a square or semi-circular enclosure on one side and a hinged gate that swings between two shutting posts, allowing one person to pass through at a time.
The gates were installed in 2020 by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) in order to prevent scrambler bikes from entering the park.
The bikes have been involved in numerous accidents in recent years which resulted in people sustaining severe injuries, or in some cases, losing their lives.
However, Palmer Babe highlighted how the gate prevented him from cycling through the estate and taking in some of the local area, which he would have liked to do.
A video taken by him and posted on social media shows how, after making several attempts to get through the gate, he was unable to do so with his wheelchair and handcycle.
“When we got to that point, and I saw all the kissing gates kind of leading off into that estate, my heart just sank if I’m honest with you,” he told The Journal.
“Because disabled people, elderly people, parents pushing children or somebody who’s a little bit infirm and struggles with their balance: all of these people are being excluded from that fantastic, phenomenal greenway facility.
There was only one barrier I came up against on my Saturday Dodder Valley greenway trip…
“That particular park had a significant number of greenways and I thought: ‘I’ve got to try and see if I can get through one of these [gates] just to see if I can’.”
“It’s more that it just stops it being an active travel route and it stops it from being easy to go from A to B to C quickly, safely and easily.”
A spokeswoman for SDCC told The Journal that the council ”regrettably” had to install the gates at various locations in recent years, including at Dodder Valley Park, because the use of scramblers and quad bikes was “putting park users in danger”.
“It is unsatisfactory that the illegal operation of scrambler motorbikes in public parks is still an issue in the county,” a statement read.
“It is hoped that the introduction of new legislation in the area in the near future will give the Gardaí the powers they need to address this issue more effectively by enabling them to seize and destroy scramblers when required.”
However, Palmer Babe questioned this.
“The funny thing is, the kissing gate goes up higher than the actual wall does. So if I was young, and I came to that wall, then the first thing I’d do is chuck the scrambler over the wall,” he said.
Dodder Valley Park covers a number of electoral areas in Dublin, and independent councillor for the Firhouse-Bohernabreena area Alan Edge told The Journal that he has put down a motion to call for the removal of the kissing gates in his locality due to the lack of accessibility for disabled people.
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But he said that residents in Tallaght have opposed the removal of the gates due to problems with scramblers.
“To be fair to them, there were problems with scramblers and people’s lives were made miserable. My response to that would be that kissing gates don’t prevent scramblers. If a scrambler wants to get in, they’ll get in,” he said.
It’s really, to my mind, about the balance of harm. I think if we have wheelchair users, people in adapted wheelchairs and Ellis, sadly, isn’t the first to face this problem, then it’s a problem that we simply have to tackle, and that is going to mean some difficult conversations around this. But they’re conversations we need to have.
An amendment to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) (Quadbikes and Scramblers) Bill 2021 which aims to give Gardaí the power to seize scramblers and quad bikes when being used unlawfully has passed the second stage of debate in the Dáil.
But Edge said that there is an “urgent need” for tougher legislation when it comes to scramblers.
“I don’t think it’s a tenable position for us to be locking people out, effectively, until the Government does its job as regards controlling scramblers I just don’t think that’s a viable option,” he said.
Adjustable gate
The SDCC spokeswoman also said the kissing gates in the park will not be a permanent fixture, and that once new legislation is in place and being implemented, SDCC will review the position and “hopefully remove these controls”.
She said the council has recently trialled an adjustable kissing gate, which can operate as a kissing gate when necessary, but in other times can be left open.
“This modification is being examined in relation to some access points in Dodder Valley Park. It will only be possible, however, to leave such gates open when there is no longer a threat of access to the park by scramblers,” she added.
Palmer Babe said that there has been good work done by the council to remove kissing gates and barriers in certain areas already.
“I mean, it’s not about removing all of them. Sure, you might have to keep a few of those kissing gates to stop the scramblers, that’s grand, but maybe have at least one or two entrances and exits from that estate where you can get in easily, because at the moment you’re just kind of hemmed in. There’s no way you can get off to the next bit,” he said.
That’s still a gate that you might have to open if you’re trying to travel independently as a disabled person, if you’re trying to pop to the shops by yourself or anything like that. Not actually having a key system or having something in place just means that disabled people become reliant on non-disabled people, rather than being able to do things as independently as they can and should do.
“I do understand that there are concerns about antisocial behaviour, but ultimately you know, in law, there is right for reasonable accommodation for disabled people when it comes to public infrastructure, and it’s disappointing to see but this hasn’t been considered on what is otherwise excellent route,” he said.
Article 9 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) says that States should take appropriate measures to enable people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life.
It specifically calls on States to ensure that people with disabilities can access physical environments, transportation and other facilities and services which are open and provided to the public “on an equal basis with others”.
A spokesperson for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) told The Journal said the commission noted the obligations of the council as a public body under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.
“All public bodies in Ireland have responsibility to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of their employees, customers, service users and everyone affected by their policies and plans,” a statement said.
“This is a legal obligation, called the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, and it originated in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014.”
SDCC spokeswoman added that it would be preferable not to have to spend money on the gates and barriers to protect users and parks facilities/pitches from the illegal use of vehicles in these spaces.
“The council continues to work with An Garda Síochána and the elected members to eliminate this illegal activity and works with all users to improve safe access to parks and public spaces,” the spokeswoman said.
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@Rafa Condron: what’s the alternative all we have is clowns jokers spoofers and liars so if your saying you want a general election then liars are the next lot all promise but much the same as the rest really.
Alternative is to use don’t lose your vote. Personally won’t put ff or fg candidates on ballot at all. If you even put them 8th on the sheet the vote is counted.
Keep voting them out. And vote others in. Be the change.
These plopheads are rolling in cash while the rest of the country is in poverty. Rich get rich and we keep voting for them???
@Rafa Condron: An inconvenient truth is that the rest of the country is absolutely not in poverty. There are lots and lots of people perfectly happy with the status quo.
@Rafa Condron: one simple cure, if you live in a 5 seat constitutancy only mark 5 places, if you live in a 3 seater mark 3 candidates and that’s one way of having a bit of control over who you want in, but lots of people need to do it for it to work.
@: and the current lot hav proven to be liars and cheats. Leo’s recent video clips and MM’s ‘ there wasNO bank bail out’. And you call others liars and cheats. Typically FFG disconnect with reality.
Anyone but FFG, G & L. Thats about it. These turds have had their snouts in the trough destroying the country for too long. Literally nobody could be worse
@Sheila McNulty: yeahs let stick with the rinse and repeat of past 100 years which has left in In midst of several crisis. And you tell others to give heads a wobble. More FFG disconnect from reality on the ground.
@Rafa Condron: Any chance of a lend of your crystal ball? I think you might be suffering with dizziness from being on that roundabout for too long. Maybe be brave and bold and try out the swings instead.
Further, no such thing in this country, as a founding political party, that doesn’t have blood all over it’s hands FF/G/Labour all sat in office and turned a blind eye to the abuse of women and children in this country – incarceration, enslavement, and institutionalisation of women and children.
Rape and murder of women and children. Kidnapping, selling and trafficking of babies and children to the highest bidder. I can continue but I’m sure you’ve gotten the point.
Nominated himself… the arrogance is shocking. Never have I come across such a self entitled man in all my life. He actually believes he deserves to be, and it’s his god given right to be Taoiseach. He won’t make a blind bit of difference we have had years of this. The pair of them are just 2 cheeks of the same a**e. Change is needed for ALL in Ireland not just the selected few.
@Joanne Stokes: U really don’t know much about politics welli your in for a big shock if you think SF People before profit are the answer u are deluded
@Sheila McNulty: did I mention SF or PBP no I just said they won’t make any difference. We have had 100 yrs of the same crap from them they have no intention of changing either. Also Sheila its called my own opinion. I’ll say it as I see it and as I live it! Thanks and you have a lovely Christmas when it comes.
@Joanne Stokes: And those who keep voting for more of the same and accept more of the same, are what exactly?? It’s definitely not intelligent. That’s a bit like making shepherds pie for dinner everyday and expecting it to taste like a roast dinner, or salmon en croute – never gonna happen. Monkeys even know that if they keep doing the same thing over and over again, the result will be the same every time.
@Joanne Stokes: Why? Irish Constitution backs coalition government and change of Taoiseach. If you really want change, amend constitution for direct election of Taoiseach and establishment of executive and legislative branch (Dail and Senead). Current set up is a joke designed to keep elected officials in power.
Martin did a good job…
He handled COVID as well as could be expected and put peoples live over profits.
Housing was a constant issue. There is simply not enough houses and more importantly not enough builders. Martin didn’t create that and no party had any better ideas that what he done.
Saying that, the finances are better shape than he got it and Ireland is still one of the wealthiest countries in the world.
It is a pity that Northern Ireland can’t keep up with us… Now that must be mismanagement of a country
@Cowboy Ted: FFG fully and knowing created the housing crisis. Their free market neo liberalism deliberately cut supply in order to turn homes into financial commodities so that they could be gouged for more and more profit. Your post is an insult to the intelligence of the people of this island.
Are they in the Dail on a Saturday? Today of all days would of been the most effective for the people of Ireland to of marched on that building and made the general consensus of Ireland be heard. That being, this roundabout is not working. The only way to get change is to force it. Sure SF arent a better alternative in the eyes of many, but it would absolutely give a right boot up the backside and FFG if the GE came and they got in, only then will they realise they arent actually all that invincible. Maybe its time we play the government instead of them playing us.
@Christine Hanway: The Irish aren’t ones for standing up for themselves and demanding change or even accountability from the country’s leaders. Far happier to stay at home and comment on how bad things are and bloody awful the politicians are from the comfort of their own armchairs. If the general population stood up and demanded better from the politicians then they would have better politicians. Instead it’s very much a case of “Ah sure look, the other one is as bad so what’s the point in doing anything?”
@James Kerins: as much as I tend to agree with that, I genuinely feel a general consensus is coming about that people are finally seeing the wrongdoing, the problem with that is, its had to get this bad. This government are breaking records, but for all the wrong reasons and I personally think its starting to light a spark. I can only hope but even coming to the likes of here, other social media, other news outlets that I would of found stonch FFG arent so much anymore. The tides are turning, their support is completely dwindling. I can only see that as a good thing and they know it. Their days are numbered.
@Christine Hanway: there are plenty of problems as in any country we have full employment & a lot going for us take a look across the water,( Yes Housing where there was full stoppage of building for 2 years )Health also big problems Brexit & War thousands coming here as we have to share the burden all these things are having effect on schools etc but don’t think we had much choice & the opposation would have had the very same problems but its great on the sidlines shouting when u have not the responsibility
What a joke, this man clearly has no morales or he would have resigned a long time ago. Leaking cabinet documents which are confidential to outside parties and then having the bass neck to say he did nothing wrong, at least in England the minister would have resigned straight away, how can you trust him
@Aunties: no because you would be shot down immediately and it would be twisted as being homophobic when it’s obvious that the majority of people in Ireland are inclusive and open as the way it should be. Varadkar was hungover today I bet my bottom dollar on it. I could tell by his eyes
Bad day for the country…. Untouchables – not one of them have the country’s interests as a priority. Overflowing hospitals, shortage of teachers, mass homelessness, Overflowing traffic with huge taxes to the middle earners and all the while masses of refugees coming into the country and everyone afraid to speak up because we wi be accused of racism. Country is in freefall. Only thing keeping us going is the taxes from multi national companies and huge VAT from fuel. Varadkar harping on about peace in North of Ireland and then Martin stands up and has the cheek to slander Mary lou. Do your jobs and shut up ye shower of muppets
@Sal Paradise: What a truly mindless comment. A change of taoiseach is a major national event. It would be derelict of any news organization to ignore the story. Clickbait, my arse.
@Tacita O’Copa: Thanks for the feedback. My comment was focused on the way the original headline (which has subsequently changed) was worded. It was very much, in my opinion (we are allowed to have opinions?), deliberately worded to annoy certain commentators.
Have we not spent long enough living in hope – it’s action that’s required & it’s long overdue!! All of our privileged leaders should have taken notes from all the documentaries made about the leaders from just 100 years ago … they were brave leaders with foresight & courage to make hard decisions & stand over them … & they weren’t living privileged lives in comparison to their electorate- they lived among them & many of them sacrificed everything for the good of our country! The politicians of today wouldn’t sacrifice their (expensed) breakfast to feed a hungry child ..
Well what can I say? When you have a country that is run by farmers and school teachers, who continually con the populace! I really give up… BTW Ireland is still the most corrupt country in the top 10 corrupt countries in the world… And no other are European. Just sayin’
@#1 Fifthwheel: there are over 20 countries within Europe (both EU and non EU) that are ranked as more corrupt than Ireland. Thats according to Transparency International. A few surprising ones too. Worth a look.
will be very interesting at the next election to see if FFG disengage from copulating and actually have the neck to tell the electorate that they are two different parties with different policies, Or will they have the balls to face voters by standing on their record of the last two government terms in bed together?
Of course, even their best over-paid political advisors can neither predict nor guarantee them the second, third and fourth preference votes required by them to get even a sniff of a chance to return for a third term of joint parties of equals/con-artists.
few of the electorate have forgotten what happened in 2020 and I suspect few will cast a vote beyond their second preference next time out.
Think what you like of him, but I think Simon Coveney should have been left in foreign affairs. Always comes across as level-headed, and that’s what we need dealing with those numbskulls across the water.
What country is Leo from? It can’t be Ireland, a nation of begrudgers and doom and gloom news articles and reports which are based of what if scenarios that never materialise.
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