Only two wheelchair users can use each Kildare train

WHEELCHAIR users can expect just two wheelchair spaces on all trains from Kildare and Newbridge into Dublin. However, for these two stations users must give four hours’ notice of intent to use a ramp.

This came to light following a number of recent parliamentary questions (PQs) from Kildare South TD Mark Wall to the minister for transport Darragh O’Brien. However, the question was only half-answered as deputy Wall was also hoping to find out how many regular seats were available on each carriage for comparison.

“Kildare services to and from Heuston are predominately operated by InterCity Railcars (ICRs), with some Dublin to Cork trains (Mark IV) serving County Kildare stations also,” explained Mary Considine, the CEO of Irish Rail.

“Maynooth line services are predominantly operated by 29000 class commuter trains – with some services operated by ICRs”.

Irish Rail has calculated wheelchair spaces on the length of a train (excluding locomotive), with one space for trains less than 30 metres, two spaces for a train up to 205m, three for trains up to 300m long, and four spaces for anything longer than that.

The PQ reply includes provisions for all types of trains used in Ireland, where the top three listed are the ones serving Co Kildare.

The ICRs will have two spaces, the Mk 4 from Cork will have one, while the commuter service from Maynooth “has a large open area in the vestibule, which can accommodate several wheelchairs”, just like the DART, and 2800 DMU on the Limerick and Mayo regional services.

The Enterprise service between Dublin and Belfast is currently providing two wheelchair spaces per train, but this is going to expand to six when the service brings in the new Stadler fleet.

“Too often I’m getting calls from people in wheelchairs who have to pre-book for the train, and then there’s no space for them when the train arrives,” said deputy Wall. “I’m sure you get lots of calls like that as well.

“The toilets are the same.

“I’m always on to the NTA [National Transport Authority] to get more done, but it is a battle, to be honest,” he concluded.