Funded by the National Transport Authority, an integral element of Iarnrod Éireann’s ongoing investment programme is to continuously improve accessibility of its stations and services.
52 stations with lift improvement works
- New footbridge and lifts have been installed at many rail stations and more recently were installed at Little Island in 2023 and Banteer Rail station in Cork this year
- Design works is underway for footbridges and lifts at other rail stations.
- In total, 52 stations across the network will have seen lift improvement or replacement works between 2020 and 2024 under The Big Lift programme, delivering a significant improvement in lift availability and reliability for mobility impaired customers.
Kildare train station accessibility enhancements
Presently, Iarnród Éireann Rail are implementing Accessibility improvements at Athy and Maynooth Rail stations. Work has already begun at Maynooth Rail Station on the September 23, 2024. Athy Rail Station is starting construction works on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Accessibility improvements at both stations include:
- Two 13-person lifts – to access a new footbridge being installed over the railway line.
- Redesign of the existing Accessible Car-parking spaces nearest the station building.
- Work on fencing on the 2 primary platforms
- Enhance the lighting throughout the station, particularly by the station building and the new footbridge
- Erect a new tactile map at the entrance as well as other tactile signage – all improvements to accessible wayfinding signage.
- New help points and induction loops will be provided, which will connect to the existing public address system
- Amendments to the ticket desk in the Ticket office
- Significant upgrade to the toilet facilities.
One of the two station car parks will be used to facilitate the construction, for the duration of the works. This will reduce the amount of car parking spaces temporarily.
Lift Upgrades
Renovation / Replacement works on the lifts Hazelhatch & Celbridge (platforms 1 & 5) are nearing completion. Newbridge lift enhancements will be completed by the end of December.