The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Eibhlin Byrne, will launch the Access Matters Campaign in the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin, at 6pm, Wednesday 24th September.
This initiative is a world first, creating a network of businesses across Dublin who are actively marketing their premises and services as being accessible to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. Over 1000 businesses, from hotels to restaurants; banks to pubs and music venues; retail outlets to health centres, are now listed in Ireland’s first comprehensive Business Directory of Accessible Businesses.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin called on the business community to join the campaign in making Dublin the most accessible city in the world. “Today we embark on a drive to ensure that we prove our commitment to making Dublin a truly accessible city. To date over 1,000 businesses have joined this important initiative but I believe that with the support of our business community we can do more. If we are to be a city that truly values all our citizens we must ensure that nobody is excluded due to age or ability. It is people who make a great city. By joining our Dublin Access Business Network you can make our city greater – a real City for All.
According to Dublin City Manager, John Tierney accessibility affects everyone at some stage in their lives. “Accessibility is important to the girl who just broke her leg and is on crutches, it’s important to an elderly person with a walking stick, to the mother with a buggy, to the visually impaired using a cane, to wheelchair users and consequently to all their families and friends. We would ask businesses if they can afford not to be included in the Directory.”
The Initiative is proudly led by Dublin City Council’s Access Unit and is supported by the Chamber of Commerce and the Dublin City Centre Business Association. Other Dublin businesses will be encouraged to join the Network and promote their business through the Directory.
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Note to the Editor:
Available online, at www.accessdublin.ie or from Dublin City Council, the Directory will allow people with access needs to identify where best to shop, eat or watch a film in Dublin. While particularly valuable for people with disabilities, their families, friends and carers, the Directory will benefit older people, people with temporary medical conditions and parents with young children. All face the challenge of identifying venues and businesses that are accessible to their needs.
Almost 10% of the Irish population are people with disabilities who influence the spending of others – their families, friends and carers. With this directory consumers become informed and better able to select a destination or location that meets their accessibility needs. It is broken down by category so users can easily identify a venue to suit their particular needs.
Initiated by Dublin City Council, the Dublin Access Business Network, consists of businesses, public services and community organizations who are committed to ensuring that their premises, business activity and services are accessible to everyone. Businesses wishing to join the Network and be included in the Directory can do so online on www.accessdublin.ie or obtaining a Business Registration Pack from the Access Unit of City Council Tel: 01 222 2194 / 01 222 6706. E-mail: audit@accessdublin.ie.