A group of campaigners made up of a local councillor and parents from Dublin 15 are set to stage a demonstration outside Leinster House next week over a lack of disability support services.
The group who are called #fussd15 under the umbrella of #fussireland are set to hold a demonstration on 14 September between 11am and 2pm. Speaking to Dublin Live, Fingal Cllr Tania Doyle said: "Dublin 15 is a constituency well represented at cabinet by three ministers, two holding senior portfolios yet experiencing diminishing supports and ever growing delays in the provision of those limited support services. Occupational therapy, speech and language, assessments of deed are but a few."
Cllr Doyle said that Dublin 15 has seen "exponential growth" in population and is the fastest and most diverse community in the country. She said that parents who have children with additional needs are being left to wait months and years for their children to see a professional.
Cllr Doyle said: "Countrywide, there are 110-120,000 children on waiting lists and Dublin 15 we're probably one of the highest areas waiting for children to have speech therapy, physiotherapy, etc.
"You're talking about 30 months for a child to be assessed, a lot of it has to be done within a specific time. We've also launched a petition asking parents in Dublin 15 to contact us and sign this petition."
Dublin mum Lesley Anne O'Brien and Cllr Doyle have also been campaigning since 2018. They said: "FUSS Ireland have contacted all TDs to ask them to support the demonstration and be in attendance on 14 September."
Cllr Doyle said two weeks ago they officially launched and did a demonstration outside Blanchardstown centre. "It's a matter of bringing parents on board, parents cant continue as they are at the moment," she added.
They are hoping to have a big turn-out for the demonstration and all are welcome to attend. For more information and to sign the petition click here
Read Next:
- 'Miracle' Dublin girl walks unaided into first day of school after life-changing operation
- Temple Street Children's Hospital cancels operations for children with scoliosis
Big-hearted schoolgirl donates hair to raise funds for children's charity
Baby with cancer ‘fighting battle no child should have to fight
Wicklow mother vows to keep fighting for medical cannabis for son's rare cancer
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
