New all-terrain beach wheelchair arrives at Redbarn in Youghal Co.Cork  

August 26 2021

JH_Yghl_Beach_Wheelchair_Launch_05 (1)_Áine O’Sullivan

The wheelchair, the first of its kind in East Cork, will help people living with disabilities enjoy both the sandy shoreline and the waters of the beach. 

An all-terrain wheelchair will become a common sight on Redbarn Beach in Youghal as the service has now been put into operation. 

It comes from a partnership of Cork County Council, the Disability Federation of Ireland, Cork Sports Partnership, The Irish Wheelchair Association and the Quality Hotel & Leisure Centre Redbarn. 

The Hippocampe Beach and All-Terrain Wheelchair is made from thick, hydrophobic foam which doesn't absorb water and dries quickly allowing users to share experiences with friends and family in comfort. 

First to use the chair were Leanne Hehir and 12-year-old Scarlet Beecher. Scarlet said she was delighted to be able to enjoy the beach in such a comfortable chair, adding that she “hoped no one else would book it so she could stay in it all day”. Scarlet’s dad Noel added, “This chair is a fantastic addition to the beach and a much-needed piece of equipment which would make the beach experience a much more enjoyable one for people with reduced mobility”. 💥 

The wheelchair will be available as follows: 

👉Free of Charge 

👉Available in Two Hour Slots from 11am - 7pm  

👉Location Point: Club Vitae Leisure Centre P36RV02 

👉To Book: Phone 024-93095 

 

For a full national list of beach wheelchairs and how to book go to https://disability-federation.ie/news/latest/2021/06/01/beach-wheelchairs-our-guide-to-where-to-find-and-h/