‘Embarrassment’ as Galway’s wheelchair accessible beach mats lie idle in storage three years after purchase
Beach mats designed to provide easier access to the water for wheelchair users are sitting unused in Salthill’s Leisureland, as questions remain over whether they will survive the tides of Galway’s beaches.
At Galway City Council’s June meeting, Councillor Eddie Hoare put forward a motion seeking a commitment from the Chief Executive and parks and recreation staff to officially roll out the beach wheelchair mats for the bathing season.
“We are making a mockery of ourselves saying we are an accessible city,” Cllr Hoare told the chamber, adding that it was an “embarrassment” that the mats have remained in storage for the past three years.
However, Galway City Council’s environment, parks and recreation engineer, Sharon Connolly, said assessments of strategic locations had found that Galway’s beaches “aren’t suitable” for the mats.
In 2023, Ability West donated beach friendly wheelchairs to coincide with an accessible beach mat into the water.
A beach wheelchair being used as part of a pilot scheme. Picture: David Clynch.
The beach mats introduced by Galway City Council in 2021. © Ability West
Tidal levels play a significant role in their feasibility, and the council has yet to identify a beach that would be suitable for a long-term rollout.
Cllr Hoare urged the Chief Executive to consider introducing the mats on a trial basis, with rollouts limited to days with good weather and high beach usage.
Ability West introduced the beach access mats in 2021. At this time, the mats have not been rolled out since.
A spokesperson from Ability West told the Irish Independent the re-introduction of the mats and wheelchairs would be “an important accessibility measure.”
“For many people, soft sand can be a complete barrier. Without suitable access mats, a person may be able to reach the car park or promenade but still be unable to participate fully in beach activities with family, friends or siblings,” Ability West added.
Cllr Hoare pointed out County Mayo saw the successful introduction of beach mats in 2025. However, the landscape and tidal patterns of Mayo’s beaches differ from those of Galway Bay.
Cllr Hoare also mentioned Silverstrand Beach in Barna as a possible location for the mats because its foreshore is larger than many other beaches.
“The tide shouldn’t really matter because if they’re down properly, the tide wouldn’t carry them away. Then they’ll obviously dry out in better weather,” Cllr Hoare told the Irish Independent.
If introduced, the mats would be managed by Galway City Council. Following Mayo’s example, volunteer opportunities to help maintain and clean the mats could also be considered.
“I think it’s something that we really need to put pressure on because a lot of parents are looking for it,” Cllr Hoare added. “I’d be strongly advocating for them to be rolled out and to show leadership in terms of the accessibility of the city.”
This article was amended on June 11 to include comments from Ability West.