Major accessibility upgrade officially opened at busy Mayo railway station
The completion of a major accessibility upgrade at the Claremorris Railway Station has been officially marked.
The cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John Caulfield, together with other local elected representatives, members of Iarnród Éireann’s Disability Users Group, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and members of the project team attended the ceremony.
The works included:
* The provision of a new covered footbridge over the railway, which will feature two 13 person lifts.
* Remedial works to platform 1 & 2.
* Upgrades to the lighting across the platforms.
* Refurbishment of the station toilets.
* Improvements to accessible wayfinding signage and installation of tactile signage, including a tactile map at the station entrance.
* Provision of help points and induction loops, connecting to the existing public address system.
Funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, 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 Boyle Station already this year and work is underway at two 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.
Speaking at the event, the programme manager for Iarnród Éireann’s Accessibility Programme, Colin Grimes, said: “I am delighted to see the works complete at Claremorris Train Station.
"The accessibility upgrades will future proof the station for generations of customers. I 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: “Improving accessibility is about ensuring that everyone can travel with confidence and independence.
"The upgrades at Claremorris Station represent a significant step forward in creating a rail network that is inclusive for all and will make a real difference to customers with disabilities, reduced mobility or people travelling with buggies and luggage accessing both sides of the platform with ease. The NTA is delighted to support Iarnród Éireann in delivering these welcome improvements. “
Councillor Caulfield stated: “I am delighted officially open the new railway footbridge with lifts, alongside a number of other important station upgrades.
"Iarnród Éireann are again demonstrating they are putting passengers first, by delivering improvements that enhance customer experience and accessibility, underlying their commitment to a railway network that is accessible to all.”