'This will provide ease of access for generations to come': Accessibility works completed at Cork station 

Accessibility works which will provide rail passengers with “ease of access for generations to come” have been completed at a train station in North Cork.

Representatives from Iarnród Éireann’s Disability Users Group, local elected representatives and members of the community attended a special event today at Banteer Station to mark the completion of the works.

Contractors, Jon’s Civil Engineering, working on behalf of Iarnród Éireann, completed the work in just under 12 months.

The works included the provision of a new footbridge over the railway, featuring two 13-person lifts, remedial works to platform two and its complete resurfacing and upgrades to the toilets.

Speaking at the opening of the bridge, programme manager for Iarnród Éireann, Colin Grimes, said the opening of the new infrastructure demonstrates the rail operators “commitment to making the railway more accessible to all”.

“This new infrastructure will provide ease of access for generations to come for customers from Banteer.

“We are also honoured to be joined by members of our Disability Users Group here today as their input is essential to ensuring that the upgrade works that I and my team undertake provide the best possible solution for persons with reduced mobility,” he added.

Iarnrod Éireann said an “integral element” of the company’s ongoing investment programme is to continuously improve accessibility of its stations and services.

Banteer is the latest new lift and passenger bridge on the network, and follows the opening of Little Island earlier this year.

Up to 11 further stations will see construction or planning progress for new lifts in 2024.

The company’s Disability Users Group provides direct input from disability representative bodies and users of rail services in developing accessibility programmes and projects.