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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Conor Coyle

Fermanagh and Omagh named as best in class across UK for public toilet disabled access

Fermanagh and Omagh has been named as the area of the UK with the highest percentage of public toilet facilities with disabled access.

Research carried out by bathroom provider QS Supplies showed that 85% of all public toilets in the council area were accessible to those with disabilities.

A total of 45 out of the 53 public toilets in the area were recorded as being accessible, a higher percentage than any other local council area throughout NI, England, Scotland and Wales.

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Local disability rights campaigner Dermot Devlin said that while the figures are encouraging, they don't necessarily tell the full story when it comes to access to facilities for disabled people in the area.

Dermot said: "It's great to learn that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has the largest number of disabled access toilets in the UK.

"As the Vice-Chairperson of the Council's Disability Advisory Group, this is very encouraging news.

"I would also say, it's one thing to say they have the facilities, but is it actually in use? I've witnessed many disabled access toilets used as storage, making it impossible for many disabled people with wheelchairs and mobility aids to enter.

"There are also disabled toilets with permanent "Out of Order" signs up for over a year, because they don't have the same sense of urgency to fix them as they do non-disabled toilets."

Greencastle native Dermot is the founder of My Way Access, an online directory for disabled people which informs them about the accessibility of businesses. He adds that a lack of Changing Places facilities in the locality also has an effect on those with disabilities.

"Fermanagh and Omagh are also under represented in the number of Changing Places facilities. These are important for some disabled people, as they equipped such as hoists and adult sized changing benches. Without them, toilets can be unhygienic and degrading for many disabled people.

"So yes, it's encouraging to see we top the table, but this league needs a breakdown on what types of disabled toilets, how they are being maintained and how clean they are."

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