Inaccessible polling stations have been branded an 'absolute disgrace' by an organisation for people with disabilities.

With just nine days to go until Ireland votes in the General Election, a number of polling stations across Ireland remain inaccessible for wheelchair users.

The Irish Wheelchair Association Advocacy Manager Joan Carthy described the situation as "an absolute disgrace".

"I think in 2024, it's an absolute disgrace that people have to think twice about whether they can get out and vote purely down to whether the polling stations are accessible or not," she said.

"We have had many meetings over the years trying to push this issue.

"There is at the moment a lot of work being done - but it's not going to be done in time."

Passed deadline

Ms Carthy said the inaccessibility of polling stations is denying people their right to vote.

Voters who cannot attend their polling station due to a disability or illness can apply to their returning officer for a postal vote; however, this deadline has since passed.

After the snap election was called, voters with inaccessible polling stations had just two days to get their application for a postal vote in.

07/06/2024. Photo shows: ballots waiting to be filled for the European and General Election at the polling station in Youth Reach Training Centre, Portobello. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie

At the launch of the Irish Wheelchair Association's Election Manifesto earlier this month, Ms Carthy said sections of society who vote the least "have the most to lose".

"If you don’t vote, other people get to choose who represents you," she said.

"Let candidates know you exist and if you are not satisfied, tell them why."

The group also called on parties to prioritise disabled people if elected into Government.

"We want a commitment from candidates that they will prioritise disability if elected and commit to the main asks raised in our election manifesto," she said.

"Such as sectoral funding, the cost of disability, housing, pay parity, transport, sport and access," she said.

Ms Carthy said there currently is an "ongoing crisis" of funding affecting disabled people in Ireland.

Feature image: A polling station at Glasnevin National School, Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Additional reporting by Sarah McKenna Barry