The lack of a wheelchair accessible bus stop between Ennis and the Cliffs of Moher has been slammed as ‘unacceptable’ by the Clare Leader Forum.
It comes as the disability rights group taken the decision not to participate in the annual ‘Make Way Day’ and has called for meaningful change to public infrastructure and service accessibility instead.
The sound of Bus Eireann’s 350 Ennis to Galway route pulling in to collect passengers at Ennistymon before it continues its onward journey to Lahinch, Liscannor and then the Cliffs of Moher.
The bus stop is located between Pot Duggan’s and Unglert’s Bakery on New Road, which is just 200m away from the Church Hill Housing Estate, but despite this, not all residents can avail of the local service.
Although a designated wheelchair space is available on board, the bus stop itself does not have the 3m footpath width required by NTA standards, meaning wheelchair users cannot board in Ennistymon.
Local resident, Trish McNamara who works in the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 14 years ago and the nearest accessible bus stops to her are 26km away in Ennis or 79km away in Oranmore.
When Trish has found herself unable or unfit to drive, she’s faced taxi fares of up to €60 on a daily basis, or has otherwise depended on taking lifts in her own specially adapted vehicle.
She says the lack of basic universal infrastructure is disgraceful.
You can listen to the full interview below.
Among the aims of the National Transport Authority’s public transport accessibility programme, is to provide at least one accessible bus stop in each direction in a town with a population greater than 5,000.
The most recent Census, meanwhile, shows the population of Ennistymon is just 1,137.
Usually this time of year, would be the period of ‘Make Way Day’, a campaign often endorsed by local authorities to highlight the effects of parking, dog fouling and obstructions on footpaths to those with reduced mobility.
The Clare Leader Forum has refused to partake this year though, stating the event has become an optics exercise, while issues such as access to beaches, damaged ramps and substandard infrastructure remain.
Ennistymon-based Spokesperson and Co-Founder of Equality Not Care, Anne-Marie Flanagan says policymakers must urgently incorporate universal design in all private and public spaces to level the playing field.
Bus Eireann Statement:
Bus Éireann is committed to the provision of a fully accessible public transport system incorporating wheelchair accessible vehicles and infrastructure and in providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for all our customers.
Bus Éireann continues to work with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and local authorities on the enhancement of bus station and bus stop infrastructure.
To facilitate this, Bus Éireann has also introduced a Travel Information Team, who assess bus stops along our routes and around the country, and initiate accessibility and information improvements where possible.
While we are doing all we can to make improvements as soon as possible, there can be limitations to this; due to the location constraints such as topography or other issues and we liaise with the NTA and local authorities on this matter.
We have been in touch with our Travel Information team who will be assessing the stops highlighted, as well as surveying the whole route.
The results of this audit will determine whether the stops are accessible as they are, or if they need improvements, in which case the Travel Information Team will liaise directly with the NTA and local authorities to facilitate the improvements as soon as possible.
Response from Clare County Council
Clare County Council recognise the importance of Universal Access and it is therefore central to all current design and construction standards.
However, there are legacy issues relating to universal access and we are working towards addressing these as budget and resources allow.
Several projects have recently been completed where Universal Access is incorporated – one example being the public toilets in Ennistymon which were previously only accessible via steps, but now have a lift in place. The ramp constructed at the North end of Lahinch promenade is designed to current standards and is fully compliant with Universal Access. Any new works carried out by Clare Co Council are carried out to current standards e.g. Slipway at Spanish Point, footpaths in Doolin, etc….
Meanwhile, Footpath improvement works in various villages throughout North Clare are undertaken annually. Sections included are generally highlighted by public representatives on behalf of the public or by members of the public themselves. We examine all submissions before determining our annual works programme and the programme is delivered to current standards and is fully compliant with Universal Access.
