Spinal Injuries Ireland and Dun Laoghaire Marina on Dublin Bay have announced the installation of a new Oxford Dipper Hoist to allow wheelchair users to easily access boats.
Wheelchair user, Jenny Needham, is the Administration Manager at the Marina and she welcomes the hoist as “it is bringing accessibility to the harbour”. The marina also has a fully accessible self-contained lavatory and shower which is immediately accessible from the forecourt.
Paal Janson, General Manager of Dun Laoghaire Marina says “promoting and facilitating accessible boating has long been an important cause for Dun Laoghaire Marina. Disability shouldn’t be a barrier to getting out on the water and we are keen to facilitate that ambition. We are pleased to work with Spinal Injuries Ireland to make access for all a reality.”
Spinal Injuries Ireland have a RIB, Niamh, berthed in the marina and this is a popular element of their Let’s Go Activity Programme. People who have suffered a spinal cord injury can take a trip up the Liffey with family or friends and maybe a spin around Dalkey Island, weather and tide permitting, before enjoying tasty fish and chips from the East Pier. This type of experience can show someone who has experienced such a life-changing injury that there is fun to be had and give them confidence to take on new challenges and set new goals.
Fiona Bolger, CEO of SII, states “SII’s powerboat trips in Dublin Bay are one of our most popular activities. Often the trip in Dublin Bay is the first time a newly injured person and their family go on an excursion together and the feedback is very positive. We could not provide this service if it was not for Dun Laoghaire Marina, MGM Boats and our team of loyal volunteers.’
The purchase of the new hoist was partly funded by HSE National Lottery Grant, a Community Activity Grant from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and funding from Dun Laoghaire Marina.
Spinal Injuries Ireland would also like to thank Paal Janson and the team at Dun Laoghaire Marina for supporting the programme and Gerry Salmon of MGM Boats for his generous sponsorship of the fuel.
