Improved rail services at two Cork stations for customers with disabilities

Improved assistance arrangements for customers with disabilities have been announced at two of Cork’s train stations, seeing the advised notice period reduced by 11 hours.

Last week, Darragh O’Brien, the minister for transport, with Iarnród Éireann chief executive Jim Meade, announced that the advised notice for assistance at 15 of the country’s busiest intercity stations will be reduced from 12 hours to one hour.

Of the 15 stations nationwide that will see a reduction in the advised notice for assistance, two are in Cork, including Kent and Mallow.

The announcement comes following a pilot of the reduced notice period in recent months, with the new period allowing customers with additional needs to arrive and arrange assistance or book in advance with less wait time.

Last year, there were 54,000 passengers with disabilities or additional needs assisted by Iarnród Éireann.

Important development

Fianna Fáil Cork North-Central TD, Pádraig O’Sullivan said the reduction for those with additional needs seeking rail transport in Cork is “an important development” which will ensure an improved experience for all passengers.

“This is a significant reduction in waiting times for people who need this service,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“Reducing the notice period for accessibility assistance to just one hour at Mallow [and Cork Kent] will make rail travel far more accessible and inclusive, while also allowing for more spontaneous travel and trips.

“This is an important development for people with disabilities in Cork and across the country.”

“The change comes as part of a broader programme of improvements in accessibility introduced by Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority, which includes investment into new accessible DART+ trains, modernised platforms, enhanced staff training, and upgraded station facilities, such as lifts and changing place toilets.