Accessible fishing pontoon opens at Skibbereen’s Shepperton Lake

A NEW accessible fishing facility for wheelchair users in Cork has been launched at Shepperton Lake, near Skibbereen.

The bespoke fishing platform cost €106,000 to construct, and provides access to wheelchair users, and those with reduced mobility, to a section of the popular angling destination which is 3km from Skibbereen.

 The initiative was co-funded by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and the Department of Rural and Community Development.

 John Twomey, fisheries inspector with IFI, said the demand for accessible and safe infrastructure for wheelchair users – and those with reduced mobility – at Shepperton Lake, was obvious. 

‘We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the Irish Wheelchair Association on this project, and are very pleased the amenity has been constructed. We can’t wait it to be used by people of all abilities.’

The outdoor facility consists of a long boardwalk and a large accessible steel stand that can cater for up to four wheelchair anglers at a time, a new picnic area, and parking for six vehicles.

Sinéad Burke, service support officer for the Irish Wheelchair Association, said that getting out in nature, and having access to a tailor-made resource like this, will be extremely beneficial to the well-being of our service users.