Athy Train Station gets accessibility upgrade
Colin Grimes, Iarnród Éireann, cllr Ivan Keatley, Barry O’Donnell, Iarnród Éireann disability users group (IEDG) member, Deputy Mark Wall, Gary Kearney (IEDG), Ronan Murphy, Iarnród Éireann, Ciarán Delaney (IEDG), Michelle Carey, Iarnród Éireann at the official opening of new accessible bridge at Athy Station
A MAJOR accessibility upgrade has been opened at Athy Railway Station this week (4 November) by Cathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District, Cllr Ivan Keatley.
Primarily in this upgrade is the provision of a new footbridge across the station, which now includes two 13-person lifts.
The work has also included improvements in the fencing on both Platforms One and Two, the addition of accessible parking right outside the station, as well as improved lighting and signage.
Iarnród Eireann has also installed a tactile map at the station entrance, as well as help points and induction loops for the hard of hearing.
There have also been improvements to the ticket office and the toilet facilities at the station.
Cllr Keatley was joined by other local representatives, members of Iarnród Éireann’s Disability Users Group and members of the Project team at Athy Station on Tuesday to officially mark the completion of a major accessibility upgrade at the station.
Funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA), an integral element of Iarnrod Éireann’s ongoing investment programme is to continuously improve accessibility of its stations and services.
Accessibility works have been completed at Rathmore Station in Co Kerry already this year and work is underway at five other stations across the network.
The company’s Disability Users Group provides direct input from disability representative bodies and users of rail services in developing accessibility programmes and projects.
“I am delighted to see the works complete here, and they will future proof the station for generations of customers to come here at Athy,” said Programme Manager for Iarnród Éireann’s Accessibility Programme, Colin Grimes.
“I would like to commend all the members of my team and our contractors, Ward & Burke who have done an excellent job in delivering this project” Naomi Rooney, Transport Accessibility Manager at the National Transport Authority, added: "The completion of the accessibility upgrade at Athy Station is another important step in ensuring that our public transport infrastructure is inclusive and accessible to everyone”.
“These improvements – from tactile signage to upgraded toilet facilities and accessible lifts – reflect our commitment to removing barriers and enhancing the travel experience for all people.
“We’re proud to support Iarnród Éireann in delivering great projects like this which make a real difference in communities across the country."
