The new County Council office for Kildare, Áras Cill Dara, opened a couple of years ago. You can see pictures of it here. Hailed as a monument to environmentalism, it has solar roof-panels to heat the water for the kitchen and washrooms. The air conditioning is by means of computer controlled louvres on the widows that control the flow of air throughout. The fact that neither the heating nor cooling system work properly is inconsequential as the building had already been awarded the Best Public Building award before this was discovered.
A close relation, Conor, worked there. As a wheelchair user, he was very impressed with the building. Large wide doors, shallow ramps leading from floor to floor instead of stairs, accessible lifts. There was even a staff entrance right where the disabled parking spaces were located. This was what he like most. Or rather, what his wife, Denise, liked most. She could get him from the car to the chair, up the lift and down the hall to his desk in minutes.
One morning they were running late and his wife was annoyed to see a large black car parked right across the disabled spaces. She found a regular space and with great difficulty, as anyone who ever assisted a wheelchair user in a confined space will appreciate, got her husband in the chair. Only when coming back across the carpark did they notice the Irish flag on the offending vehicle and a number of gardaí patrolling around. Oh, I forgot what day it is, announced Conor. It’s the official opening by President McAleese.
They were denied entry via the staff door by a garda. It’s locked for security reasons, he explained. She had to push him around to the other side of the building and up the long ramp to the public entrance. Quite a distance and uphill the whole way. They were met by a security guard who told them all staff must make their way to the Council Chamber to listen to the President’s speech. Now very late for work, his wife reluctantly agreed to take him. Too late for the speech also. The President was leaving the Chamber flanked by Council officials, local dignitaries, gardaí and photographers. Quick as she could, Denise slew the wheelchair around and backed into the side.
Not quickly enough. They had been spotted by the President of Ireland. All politicians, including presidents, are eagle eyed when it comes to photo-ops. She diverted from her entourage and strode over. This is Conor who works in Roads, said the County Manager. Great to meet you Conor, beamed the President. How do you like the new building?
The cameras were flashing. It’s grand, Mary. So what are you doing here anyway?
Eh, I’m opening the new offices, mumbled a bewildered looking president.
Oh great! Listen, while you have the keys on you, would you mind tipping down and opening the side door. My wife’s wrecked after pushing me around the long way. And while you’re down there, shur you might ask yer man in the big Merc to get the fek out of the disabled area.
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I hope your relation did say that! I would have done so. In fact I did so on several occasions. The Driver of that car would have been a Garda in plain clothes. He should have been reported. As long as people are allowed to get away with this kind of bad behaviour the longer it will take to get the ‘care for your neighbour’ message to work.
End of pet rant.
It’s all about the photo-op with politicians.
You should have seen the size of her entourage when she was here in Toronto!
Grannymar - He did. Most of it went over the Pres’ head - she would not have noticed where the cop had parked etc. She was in a giggle fit over the while you have the keys on you bit though.
Oh, and pet rants are always welcome.
Medbh - So true. I really like Mary, but that she is a professional politician is something I forget now and again.
What a fabulous stories. Conors are brilliant
Conorín - Bang! Your bubble’s burst - Conor’s not his real name. I always change names.
But, yeah, he’s a character. I could tell a million more stories about him. And I might. Here’s a taste: His speech is gone now and he uses one of those Stephen Hawkin type things. At his 40th do last weekend some gobshite called for a speech. Not one to give in, he slaved away at the keypad for over 20mins. The result was “drink! fek! arse! women!”. It brought the house down.
Good tale I guess it could only happen in Ireland but then again it probabaly happens where ever there are official openings.
Well it’s clear that he’s a very cool guy so you wanted to pick a fitting name right? So my theory stands (work with me here). I love his speech. Brilliant
That is brilliant. That he really said that. The kind of thing most of us wished heartily we had said, even lie a bit, tell our mates me did, kinda, but actually we just mumbled and went red faced. Good for him.
Mac - I’ve heard/read similar on your blog, a chara Mac Dara
Conorín - He he! He hates his given name. One on those horrible Reginald type ones parents used give kids to please a rich uncle. You know what I mean. Conor suits him.
Mems’b - Believe it or not (or ask your brother), Ireland is so small, many of us know our government representative personally. It breeds a familiarity that is transposed onto all officials. That coupled with a (healthy) disrespect for authority means we will say anything to anyone.