Rail
Iarnród Éireann, a subsidiary company of a state-owned company, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ), is responsible for operating rail services in Ireland. Iarnród Éireann falls under the remit of the Department of Transport. The company operates passenger rail services nationwide and provides commuter rail services, including the DART service in Dublin and the Arrow service from Dublin to Kildare. It is important that all Iarnród Éireann services are accessible and available to all members of the public and work has been underway to improve accessibility throughout the entire rail service in Ireland.
All stations have access to at least one platform. Some have access to both platforms. Where a station has access to only one platform most services use this platform. For operational reasons, some services have to use the other platform so advance notice will enable Iarnród Éireann make any necessary arrangements to accommodate you. Visit the Iarnród Éireann website for specific access details for each station.
Most mainline stations have portable ramps and some have wheelchairs to assist people with walking difficulties to transfer to and from trains. In order to check on availability, contact the local station in advance. Most mainline and suburban and all DART stations have PA announcements for those who have a visual impairment, giving information about the next train to arrive at the platform. Tactile tiles have been put in place in some stations to assist the visually impaired.
All new lifts are being equipped with Braille Coded Buttons and feature a talking lift mechanism for the visually impaired. Real Time Passenger Information Displays are being introduced in the DART stations and a programme has been developed to introduce induction loops at booking offices for the hearing impaired.
You can contact Iarnród Éireann by email if you have a query or want more information about access for people with disabilities to its services.
Most DART stations have undergone renovation in recent years and now include wheelchair access. DART trains can be accessed directly from platforms and the trains have wide doors and a large vestibule area to accommodate wheelchairs. At some stations there is a gap between the platform and the carriage which may create difficulty for the mobility and visually impaired and assistance may be required. You should check if the station you need to use has been upgraded and has the facilities you require. Many DART stations also have 'park and ride' facilities which include parking spaces for disabled drivers.
The Luas is Dublin's newest public transport system. It has two tramlines connecting Sandyford to St Stephen's Green in the city centre, and Tallaght to Connolly Station. The two lines do not connect to each other.
The Luas trams have been designed with low floors and low thresholds to be as accessible as possible. Wheelchair users should enter through the double doors in the middle of the tram where information on where and how to position the wheelchair is shown. There are two designated spaces per tram for wheelchair users which can accommodate up to four wheelchair users. Wheelchair passengers should always face the rear of the tram while travelling. These areas have signage to let people know that they are there for wheelchair users if necessary. There is also enough space in the entry and exit areas on the trams for a number of extra wheelchair users. There is also a range of additional accessibility aids on board, including audio announcements and visible moving signage.
There are a limited number of stations which have been built in a cutting or on an elevated track. These stations have been equipped with lifts in order to make them fully accessible to wheelchair users. The platforms in every station have a tactile strip to indicate the edge of the platform for people with a visual impairment. Guide dogs are allowed on board Luas trams. However, no other animals are allowed.
There are information displays at every station indicating whether there is a tram approaching, when the one after is coming and any other additional information. The vehicles also have large destination displays, front and back.
A number of designated parking spaces are reserved for people with disabilities at the park and ride facilities at Balally, Stillorgan, Sandyford and the Red Cow.
Passengers with a Free Travel Pass travel free on Luas. Children under 3 also travel free. Visit the Luas website for more information on the Luas and accessibility.
Mainline and suburban trains require a ramp to permit boarding from the platform to the carriages. A special portable ramp is used for this purpose. These are currently available at all terminal points and major junctions and are being made available at other smaller stations.
With regard to on-train facilities, a dedicated space is provided in the dining car of each train specifically designated for the mobility impaired. The dining car was chosen because there is a dining car on all InterCity trains, there is always a staff presence, refreshments are available and a telephone is also provided nearby. All dining cars in the fleet have been modified to provide wheelchair access and accommodation. All new rolling stock used on intercity trains have wheelchair accessible toilets.
In the event of numerous wheelchair users travelling together, Iarnród Éireann require advance notice to facilitate the removal of seats and tables from a coach so that the necessary accommodation can be provided. A small number of services are operated using carriages which are not accessible to wheelchair users so advance notice or requesting special access by contacting the relevant station or Iarnród Éireann's Mobility Impaired Liaison Office at least 24 hours before your journey will enable arrangements to be made.
Guide dogs and hearing dogs for the hearing impaired may be taken into buffets and restaurants on all trains and in stations. Pets are allowed on Intercity trains, provided they are properly restrained and supervised.
You can contact Iarnród Éireann by email if you have a query or want more information about access for people with disabilities to its services.
