New Ross proposed to become first town in Ireland to have neuro-divergent parking

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The chair of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD), Councillor John Dwyer, is proposing a pilot scheme which would see designated parking spaces allocated for the parents of neuro-divergent children. On foot of a number of requests from affected families, the independent councillor brought the issue to the January meeting of the NRMD where he accepted there was “no legal basis” for neuro-divergent parking spaces but that the Wexford town could nonetheless lead the way on this issue.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Dwyer confirmed that his proposal had been forwarded to district engineer David Murphy who, in turn, would discuss the matter with Wexford County Council’s access officer.

“At the moment neuro-divergent parking doesn’t exist anywhere in the country,” said Cllr Dwyer. “And although the blue badge for disabled parking can be used by people who have neuro-divergent children we cannot find a single instance of someone who has applied for it and been granted it.”

Explaining that the parking would be “primarily for the parents of children who have autism, ADHD or other neuro-divergent conditions”, Cllr Dwyer said the spaces would be separate from existing disabled bays and be strategically located for families.

“It would provide them with a clearly marked space to park in busy car parks and streets. One lady who spoke to me about this explained how, when she goes shopping, she brings her two children, both of whom are autistic, and how she sometimes has to circle round the car park for 20 minutes until she can find a quiet spot or somewhere suitable to park.”

Hoping that other towns follow New Ross’s lead if the pilot project is approved, Cllr Dwyer also expressed a desire to see central government alter existing legislation to make it easier for families with neuro-divergent members to access blue badges.