‘Young looking’ Wexford pensioner urges new peers to avail of disabled toilets – ‘Senior citizens aren’t aware they can use them’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Having recently acquired senior citizenship, Councillor John Fleming has become acutely aware of the challenges facing those of a certain vintage in our society. To that end, he has quickly set about representing his new peers by submitting a proposal which will provide greater clarity on the facilities available to pensioners across Co Wexford and beyond.

At the November meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC) the Fianna Fáil councillor tabled the following motion.

“I am calling on the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to change the notices on the doors of disability toilets to include senior citizens for clarity purposes, as most senior citizens are not aware they are allowed to access these services.”

With some of those in the chamber apparently shocked to hear his age, Cllr Fleming accepted that he was “young looking” for a man of 66; however, having consulted others, he said many pensioners weren't aware they could use disability toilets. The motion was quickly seconded by Cllr Biddy Walsh whose own age remained a well-kept secret.

“You’re not near that age at all,” said Cathaoirleach Joe Sullivan. “You’re way off.”