Sicily allocates €2 million for access

Sicily’s regional government has set aside €2 million for small coastal towns to improve access to the sea for people with disabilities. (regione.sicilia.it) The decree was signed on April 27 by regional president Renato Schifani, who is also serving as interim councillor for local authorities. The money is part of Sicily’s 2026 regional transfers to municipalities. (regione.sicilia.it) The funding goes to 41 coastal municipalities with populations of up to 5,000. Sicily said the goal is to let people with disabilities reach beaches and the water more easily. (regione.sicilia.it) (en.lasicilia.it) Half of the €2 million will be divided equally among eligible towns. The other half will be distributed in proportion to the length of each municipality’s coastline. (regione.sicilia.it) (en.lasicilia.it) The eligible municipalities are spread across the provinces of Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Messina, Palermo, Siracusa and Trapani. The measure is aimed at smaller seaside communities that often have fewer local resources for accessibility works. (en.lasicilia.it) (regione.sicilia.it) Schifani said the region wants to support small municipalities in creating services that allow “full use” of the coastline by disabled residents and visitors. The announcement comes as Sicilian towns prepare for the 2026 summer beach season. (regione.sicilia.it) (en.lasicilia.it) Sicily has funded related accessibility measures before, including a €1 million call for municipal plans to remove architectural barriers. It has also backed broader disability programs through national non-self-sufficiency funds. (regione.sicilia.it 1) (regione.sicilia.it 2) For the 41 towns in this decree, the next step is practical: turn a regional transfer into ramps, walkways, equipment or services that make the shoreline usable. (regione.sicilia.it) (en.lasicilia.it)