A Clare Disability Activist insists it’s “embarrassing” for people with disabilities to be left outside, because they can’t get on to public transport.
28 million euro has been allocated for the Accessibility Retro-fit programme, but as yet, there’s no clear time line for when services will be fully accessible.
Irish Rail says they’re catching up on a decade of underinvestment off the back of the recession.
The latest installment in the LIFT OUT series by Noteworthy has examined the issues still being faced by public transport users in this country.
It found the top accessibilty complaints to Irish Rail in 2019 related to ramp and wheelchair assistance issues, but asked about a timeline for full accessibility, Minister Anne Rabitte cound’t provide a timeline, as it falls under the remit of the Department of Transport.
That Department says there’s a multi-annual allocation of 28 million euro for the Accessibility Retro-fit Programme, but again failed to set a timeline for when works would be completed.
It’s currently advised that wheelchair users give 24 hours notice when travelling on Irish Rail or Bus Eireann services, though under European regulations 48 hours notice is required.
Member of the Clare Leader Forum, Dermot Hayes is among those calling for this to be scrapped.
He insists transport should be universally accessible.
Irish Rail says their ultimate aim is to ensure turn up and go notice free travel across the network, through measures such as the new bridge and lift which have been installed at Ennis Train Station.
Its Corporate Communications Manager says the last recession set them back a decade in investment in accessibility.
Barry Kenny says the notice period will be reduced and ultimately eliminated.
