Kavanagh welcomes publication of National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People

Disability Champion Cllr Kavanagh has welcomed the publication of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which was published by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton.

The strategy, which was developed in close consultation with disabled people and their representative organisations, was launched at the Mansion House in Dublin.

Cllr Kavanagh said the strategy would deliver a step change in the provision of services for disabled people and provide the necessary supports to assist disabled people to live full and independent lives with the same access to services as all other citizens.

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Cllr Kavanagh is one of 31 Fine Gael Disability Champions in the country’s city and county councils who will drive local implementation of the new strategy.

“There are many good things happening in the area of disability, incredible work being done in County Donegal, but many disabled people rightly believe their needs are not being met, and that we need new ways of doing things,” Cllr Kavanagh said.  

“There are 38,208 people who report living with a disability in County Donegal. As Disability Champion, I will be working closely with the team in Donegal County Council and with the Minister for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton, to ensure that we remove the barriers that disabled people in Donegal often face, which can prevent them from enjoying the same opportunities as other citizens across a range of areas including transport and participation in community life.”, Cllr Kavanagh added.

The Strategy sets out a whole of government approach to disability over the next five years, and sets out key actions to be delivered by Government departments, State agencies, and local and authorities.

Key issues to be addressed at local authority level include the need to ensure there is a dedicated full-time post for an Access and Inclusion Officer in every local authority. Another priority is the completion of walkability audits in towns and cities with populations greater than 5,000, so that accessible route maps can be developed to support people with mobility issues in travelling to work, leisure and education.

Improving accessibility in public transport is also seen as essential, along with expanding the Safe Routes to School initiative in consultation with disabled people to make travel safer for young people with disabilities. At the same time, there is a call to increase opportunities and access for disabled people to gain employment in the public sector, as well as to boost the provision of housing.

“What will be very important to the success of this strategy at local level will be city and county councils working together to share best practice,” Cllr Kavanagh said.