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Irish Independent
25-04-2025
- Irish Independent
Specially designed Kerry boat will make Killarney Lakes accessible to all
Brothers Michael and Tony Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours, based at Ross Castle, on the shores of Lough Lein, Killarney National Park, launched their new traditional open boat 'An Cathal' this weekend with family and friends, to make boating experience accessible for all people with challenges and different abilities. The traditional open boat 'An Cathal' is named in honour of their late Dad, Charlie Fleming, who operated Ross Castle Boat Tours until his untimely passing in 2024. Michael and Tony Fleming worked collaboratively with the National Parks and Wildlife Services, in the design and output of this inclusive tour boat, where people will now have the opportunity and support and enjoy Killarney National Parks Unesco Biosphere Reserve and experience the beauty of the lakes, mountains and soaring White-tailed Eagles overhead. The specially designed boat is specifically for people with limited mobility and neurodiverse needs. 'An Cathal' is fitted with a fixed stairway to enable people access / egress the boat with ease and has fasteners built into the floor to allow wheelchairs to be securely attached. A key aspect is to support neurodiverse people. The boat is also fitted with a dedicated diversity section with a sensory box which will be carried in the boat. All the staff have completed 'AsIAm' Online Training. Assistance Dogs are also welcome on-board. Michael Fleming of Ross Castle Boat Tours said they were wanted to create a an 'inclusive outdoor experience' 'Our aim when we were looking at this project was to create an outdoor experience, particularly one that was inclusive and supported biodiversity across the Killarney National Park. So with the assistance and support from NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Services) I think we delivered a much needed experience that really puts Killarney National Park on the map in terms of inclusivity.' 'We are committed to expanding our support services and are currently working on a Visual Guide for inclusion on our website. This will highlight what guests can expect on arrival and during a tour. We support quieter tours on request and early morning / late evening tours if required. ADVERTISEMENT NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Padruig O'Sullivan praised the new project. 'It is a great initiative for the National Park. It caters for people from all walks of life, especially people with challenges. It is part of the National Park Mission Statement, which is obligated to open the Park to all. The process and presentation with the Flemings from safety inspection to boat design was carefully drawn and collaborated with us. We are delighted to see it in operation today.' Also at the launch was NPWS Conservation Ranger, Killarney National Park, Tricia Beecher, who said: 'It's such a great opportunity and wonderful initiative for Killarney National Park, for the public and for families, people of all abilities can now get out and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery we have in the Park. Lough Lein Anglers and Advocate for Wheelchair accessibility Timo O'Sullivan welcomed the new boat. ''I'm in my chair using the lake for a long time, it's a game changer making the lakes so accessible for young and old, it's a great facility both secure and safe.' Cllr Martin Grady said the Flemings were due great credit for making the lake accessible for people with disabilities. 'I'm sure their Father Charlie Fleming would be very proud of them for making this project come to fruition. '
Irish Examiner
21-04-2025
- Irish Examiner
'It's a gamechanger': Wheelchair and autism friendly boat tour launches in Killarney National Park
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.' Read More Firefighters rescue dog from River Lee after dramatic swim near Cork city centre
