Paving the Way to Inclusion: MTU Kerry’s Accessibility Enhancements Ahead of ISAPA 2025

As Munster Technological University (MTU) Kerry prepares to host the International

Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA 2025), a major global event

focused on inclusive physical activity, the university is undergoing a significant

transformation to ensure its campus is accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

In a recent discussion, Catherine Carty, UNESCO Chair Manager and ISAPA 2025

Director, met with Aidan Walsh, Estates Technician with MTU’s Estates Department,

to highlight the progressive infrastructure changes taking place on the North

Campus. Their shared vision reflects not just compliance with building regulations

but a deep commitment to the principles of universal design.

Shifting the Dial: From Responsive to Transformative Action

MTU Kerry’s accessibility initiatives are a textbook example of how an institution can

progress from being merely responsive to truly transformative. In alignment with the

ISAPA-inspired university's "Shift the Dial" framework, these infrastructure

enhancements go beyond compliance by actively reshaping the built environment to

ensure equity and inclusion for all campus users.

"Transformative" means proactively redesigning systems, policies, and practices to create a campus where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive. 

These changes are also grounded in the ISAPA 2025 conference themes, especially:

• Creating new opportunities to thrive (SDG 3, 4, 8, 10): By integrating universal design and accessibility into the heart of campus planning.

• Inclusivizing our world (SDG 5, 9, 11): Through sustainable infrastructure, assistive technologies, and community-based initiatives.

• Nothing about us, without us: Embodying inclusive participation and representation in physical activity environments.
  

Inclusive Pathways: Connecting the Campus Seamlessly

Central to the accessibility enhancements are the creation and upgrading of key pedestrian link pathways, including the:

• BIT/KSA Link Path: Connecting the Business Information Technology and library buildings to the Kerry Sports Academy, this route includes integrated rest areas to support comfort and outdoor engagement.

• STEM (An Cuan)/KSA Link: Providing smooth access between STEM buildings, the Student Union, and recreational areas, this path further enhances mobility across the west side of campus.

  
  

These pathways are Part M compliant and designed to support people of all abilities, including wheelchair users and individuals with sensory impairments.

Tactile Paving: A Multi-Phase Upgrade for Navigational Safety

MTU Kerry has also launched a phased tactile paving project, designed to aid those with visual impairments in safely navigating the campus:

• Phase 1 (2023/24): Initial footpath upgrades and the first installation of tactile paving.

• Phase 2 (2025): Expanded paving installations and connection of more minor paths into the orbital campus network.

• Phase 3 (2025/26): Final campus-wide rollout to ensure full coverage and compliance.

These tactile surfaces play a critical role in enhancing safety and autonomy for all campus users, especially visitors attending ISAPA 2025.

A New Campus Gateway: Accessible Public Transport

The new public transport bus stop at the front of North Campus, built at a cost of €122,000, exemplifies MTU’s sustainable and inclusive transport strategy. With a sheltered, accessible design, it creates a safe, comfortable arrival experience that aligns with both environmental goals and the needs of a diverse campus population.

Safety Meets Sustainability: Biodiversity Planters

In a creative approach to traffic management, the university has implemented biodiversity-enhancing planters in place of traditional bollards. These features, notably in front of the KSA building, guide traffic while enriching the campus environment with green infrastructure.

Leadership with Purpose

Under the guidance of Aidan Walsh and with strategic input from Catherine Carty, MTU Kerry’s developments are far more than cosmetic. They are built on a deep philosophy: that accessibility is a right, not a privilege.

“Hosting ISAPA 2025 is not just about welcoming an event,” says Walsh. “It’s about creating an environment where every participant can move, interact, and thrive without barriers.” 

Looking Ahead to ISAPA 2025

As preparations continue for www.isapa2025.com, MTU Kerry is redefining what it means to be an inclusive university. From accessible walkways to innovative green solutions, the campus is becoming a blueprint for how institutions can embed universal design into every aspect of physical development.

With these enhancements, MTU is not only ready to host a global symposium, it is ready to lead the way in building campuses for everyone.