The town of Tralee in Co Kerry, like many others, is preparing to host its first St Patrick’s Day parade since the pandemic emerged.
However, this year, they’re incorporating a new feature - one that they hope will encourage everyone to get involved.
Tralee’s St Patrick’s Day parade for 2022 will kick off from its usual spot of John Joe Sheehy Road and make its way through the town. At one section, though, between Moyderwell School and Upper Castle Street, participants are asked to dim down their sound in a bid to be autism spectrum disorder-friendly.
The project has been in the works since pre-Covid-19, when volunteers from Tralee Autism Friendly Town approached organisers to see if there was anything that could be done for those who have sensory issues.
The group are on a quest to make the town autism-friendly across the board, and the St Patrick’s Day parade was another event that needed to be tackled.
Chairperson Aisling Sweeney said: “I have talked to some of my committee moms that have kids with autism and they said they haven’t been to the parade in years because it’s just too much going on for their child.”
Organisers of the parade were happy to facilitate this space, which they’re calling ‘Sensory Street’ after the TV show Sesame Street.
Event coordinator for the festival in Tralee, Bryan Carr said: “Allowing people to experience what we would normally take for granted, but experience it in a way that doesn't heighten the senses is a simple thing for us. There’s a little bit of coordination, but it’s easy for us.
“I think it's something that every town should consider.”
While Sensory Street is a trial and the town’s first, launching it as a “template” means that it is something they can keep up for years to come, with changes and tweaks made where appropriate.
“Some parades are pretty long. There’s no problem with creating a section where you cordon that area off for kids or families with sensory processing and then just ask all people in the parade to quieten down a bit,” Carr said.
“You're just acknowledging that these people need to be supported and being all-inclusive as much as possible.”
As well as that, there will be a car park where families who have a child with sensory issues can leave their car, close by in case they need to take a break at any point.
It can also be used for a child to take a breather away from the crowd if needs be.
Sweeney said: “We have part of a car park so that if the child with any issues needs to walk off or be in a safe environment where they’re not having sensory overload really.
“Parents will know themselves that if their child is going to have a sensory meltdown, they’d bring their car if they knew it was needed.”
For those that would like to use this space, Tralee Autism Friendly Town are asking people to get in touch to be issued a parking pass. For anyone else looking to be part of the ASD-friendly area, all they need to do is come on the day.
“We’re really hoping that this will be a step forward into the future where everybody can come and enjoy the parade. Fingers crossed it’ll work out and stick with it in years to come,” Sweeney said.
Limerick and New Ross in Wexford are among those also trialling ASD-friendly spaces this St Patrick’s Day, with both parades and events planned to make it a fun and safe day for all.
Tralee’s St Patrick’s Day parade kicks off at 12pm on Thursday, with the “vitally important” addition of Sensory Street.
