'It's a gamechanger': Wheelchair and autism friendly boat tour launches in Killarney National Park

Irish Examiner

21-04-2025

A new boat tour in Killarney National Park — which has been named in memory of a man who loved to look after other people — will allow wheelchair users and people with autism to enjoy the beauty of the lakes.
Named An Cathal, the boat was launched at the weekend by Ross Castle Boat Tours. It is named after Charlie Fleming, whose sons Mike and Tony now run the tours.
Mike explained how traditional open boats and enclosed motor boats on the lakes lacked the necessary facilities for people with different challenges.
An Cathal has fewer seats to make room for a wheelchair.
'It's a foot wider than a normal boat which means the wheelchair can turn in the boat as well and then we have the anchor points in the floor of the boat to tie down the wheelchairs,' he said.
Timo O'Sullivan is hoisted onto 'An Cathal' for its maiden voyage at Reen Pier on the Shores of Ross Castle, Lough Lein, Killarney National Park.
Timo O'Sullivan, Lough Lein Anglers and an advocate for wheelchair accessibility, was present for the maiden voyage.
'It's a gamechanger, making the lakes so accessible for young and old — it's a great facility. both secure and safe,' he said.
He has previously been out in boats using his own hoist which he used this time also, saying: 'I'm in my chair using the lake for a long time.'
It also has a fixed stairway, making it easier to get on and off.
All staff have done training online with autism charity AsIAm. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Deirdre Pendergast from My Canine Companion said: "It's a great initiative for families of children with autism.'
Tony and Mike have made it possible for people like us to use the lake and see the beautiful scenery around us, and to use the boat in quiet times to cater for children with sensory needs.
Mr Fleming said they carry a sensory box with items such as ear protectors and sunglasses.
'We support quieter tours on request and early morning or late evening tours if required,' he said.
He urged anyone interested to get in touch, saying the boat was now fully operational.
The name an Cathal translates to 'the Charlie'.
'Unfortunately we lost him last year to cancer, so it's a tribute to him,' his son said.
Michael and Tony Fleming, who run the accessible boat tours.
'He loved the lakes and he loved looking after people, he took great pride in looking after people and that was part of the thinking when we set this up.'
The brothers worked closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Services on the design.
'Without them coming on board with us, this wouldn't have happened. They supported us from the start,' Mike said.
They are continuing to work together with more changes planned including a suitable hoist and visual guide to inclusion on the website, he added.
NPWS conservation rangers Padraig O' Sullivan and Tricia Beecher were also present.
They hope it will give more people a chance to enjoy the Killarney National Parks Unesco Biosphere Reserve and maybe spot a white-tailed eagle overhead.
Local councillor Martin Grady paid tribute to the brothers, saying: 'I'm sure their father Charlie Fleming would be very proud of them for making this project come to fruition.'
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