A wheelchair user who was denied access to a beach by Mayo County Council feels like she is “being punished” for having a disability. 

A Mayo access group was recently denied permission to install beach mats on a Blue Flag beach in Iorras, north Mayo, due to “insurance” issues. 

Wheelchair user Teresa Gaughan grew up near a beach and now lives minutes away from Iorras – but she cannot access it. 

“Not being able to access it because I'm in a wheelchair, I just feel like I'm being punished for something that’s not my fault,” she told Lunchtime Live. 

She said being on the beach is “brilliant” - and everyone should have equal access to it. 

“You have the wind in your hair, the smell of the fresh sea air,” she said. 

“There are a number of us in wheelchairs and it’s just a crying shame we cannot get onto our own local beaches and be a part of it.” 

Wheelchair access on beaches

According to Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) National Access Programme Manager Rosaleen Lally, Mayo County Council initially said there was “no issue” with the mats.

However, it later said its insurance company would not insure the equipment. 

After attempting to gift the mats to the council so they could be insured, MCC then said they would only be covered in “specific perils” such as fires. 

Ms Lally noted accessibility on beaches is an issue “right across the country”. 

“It's something that is dealt with very differently depending on the county you’re in,” she said. 

She said beaches in Wexford and Donegal, for example, treat accessibility as a “real priority”. 

“There doesn’t seem to be an issue with insurance in those counties,” she said. 

Wheelchair beach mat at the Darwin Waterfront lagoon, Australia. Image: Regis Martin / Alamy Stock Photo

Wheelchair users can also use pram-like ‘beach boogies’ to access beaches. 

“But you have to get hoisted in,” she explained. 

“Whereas these beach mats are ideal because you stay in your own wheelchair and access the beach the same as everyone else.” 

Beach mats are also helpful for elderly people with reduced mobility, according to Ms Lally. 

Mayo County Council has been contacted for comment. 

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