Ms Léan Kennedy:

Yes. That is a valid point. We need to make sure that it is addressed. We have been losing our pedestrian pathways bit by bit. They have been getting narrower and narrower. Ultimately, what is needed to facilitate people so that they can easily pass each other by on a footpath is to have 2 m, so that, for example, someone using a wheelchair can pass by someone with a guide dog. That is a minimum requirement. We should aim for a wider space than that. We have been losing our space and, as the Deputy described, it has become the case that we are all fighting for a space. That must be looked at. We must also look at how people live in spaces in towns and what is the best way to ensure footpaths, road spaces and cycle lanes are put together side by side so that everyone can move freely and safely pass each other.

In recent times local authorities have tried to increase pedestrianisation on city streets. Cork city is a good example in that 18 streets are now pedestrianised. Street furniture is scattered all across the street and there is no space wide enough for people with disabilities, in particular someone with a guide dog or an assistance dog, to get past the tables and chairs. There are trip hazards everywhere and it has become really dangerous. We must change our thinking and get the planners to change their mindset and look at what we can get that works for everyone. At an absolute minimum, pedestrian pathways must be 2 m in width.