Donegal Airport has announced that a beach accessible wheelchair has been made available for Carrickfinn beach.
Beach wheelchairs allow wheelchair users to access the strand with ease.
Five-year-old Eva McCafferty from Crolly was the first person to use the new wheelchair to access the beach, something a traditional wheelchair would stopped her from doing.
Eva’s auntie Breda told Donegal Daily how delighted they are that Eva can now enjoy days at the beach, something she wouldn’t have been able to do before.
Eva, who suffers from epilepsy and global developmental delay, has to make the long trip to Temple Street Hospital in Dublin several times a year, but thanks to Bumbleance the journey is much more enjoyable.
Breda, who is a fundraising co-ordinator for Bumbleance, said that the service provided by the charity has made a world of difference to little Eva and that the trip is much more comfortable for both Eva and her parents.
Another person to benefit from the beach accessible wheelchair is wheelchair user Una Bonner from Burtonport.
Speaking to Donegal Daily, Una says; “Having been to many beaches in different locations it always posed a problem to gain access. This is mainly caused by rough terrain between land and beach, blowing soft sand and other washed up debris from the sea.
“In some beaches close to built up areas there may be board walks to the beach but you will still encounter soft sand. Having the facility of the beach wheelchair deals with a lot of these issues.
Una enjoyed soaking up the sun on Carrickfinn beach
“Weather depending I would love to take advantage of our beautiful beaches!”
Una also highlighted that assistance is needed when pushing or pulling the beach wheelchair, and cannot be operated by the person using the wheelchair.
She also said that people may need assistance getting in and out of the beach wheelchair as it is quite low to the ground, although this depends on the mobility of each individual.
The wheelchair will be stored at the airport, and if you’d like to use it simply get in touch with the airport on 074 9548284 with some notice regarding when you would like to book the chair.
A spokesperson for Donegal Airport says; “Donegal County Council are hoping that the beach wheelchair can be utilised and enjoyed by people and families visiting Carrickfinn Beach this summer.
“It is also hoped that the beach wheelchair can be utilised as a proactive and positive commodity for all beach users.”
Donegal County Council have also provided beach accessible wheelchairs in Rathmullan and Downings.
If you would like to use the beach accessible wheelchair in Rathmullan, you can do so by emailing rathmullanwatersports@gmail.com or get in touch with Aengus on 086 8123019. If you would like to avail of the Downings beach wheelchair, give Jamie a call on 087 1808140.
More good news from Donegal Airport is that there will be a charity skydiving event taking place between the 4th and 7th of August.
Donegal Airport will be playing host to the fifth annual Donegal Charity Parachute Jump with The Irish Parachute Club (Skydive IPC).
In fact, a member of the Donegal Daily team is taking part! The sky is the limit for Donegal Woman editor Rachel McLaughlin as she will free-fall from 10,000-12,500ft in the air in aid of No Barriers. To read more about Rachel’s terrifying leap you can click here.
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