Improved accessibility sought for Kildare wheelchair users on trains

A TD said that it ‘isn’t fair or just’ that wheelchair users have limited options while onboard trains

By Ciarán Mather Published 20th Aug 2026, 12:30 BST Improved accessibility sought for Kildare wheelchair users on trains | FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY A TD said that it ‘isn’t fair or just’ that wheelchair users have limited options while onboard trains Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.

Improved accessibility is required for wheelchairs users taking trains to and from County Kildare .

That’s the call that was made by Labour Party TD for Kildare South, Mark Wall, in response to newly-released information from Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail (IE).

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For his first question, he asked the Minister for Transport [Darragh O'Brien TD, Fianna Fáil] about ‘the number of wheelchair spaces available on each IE service from Kildare train stations to Dublin Heuston station, the total of non-wheelchair spaces, and if he will make a statement on the matter’.

Moreover, Deputy Wall also asked the Minister about ‘the average number of wheelchair spaces available on all IE services compared to non-wheelchair spaces, and if he will make a statement on the matter’.

TD for Kildare South, Mark Wall (Labour Party) | FILE PHOTOGRAPH Replying to Deputy Wall’s queries, the chief executive of IE, Mary Considine, explained that the organisation’s InterCity Railcars, which includes the routes going from Kildare to Dublin Heuston, can have a minimum of two dedicated wheelchair spaces per trains set.

She also said that all provision for customers with disabilities complies with current regulations relating to Persons with Reduced Mobility.

Furthermore, it was revealed that any wheelchair users that require a ramp specifically for the Kildare Town and Newbridge Train Stations must give four hours’ notice in order to ensure that staff are available to help users on and off the train.

Giving his thoughts on the matter, Deputy Wall affirmed: “Improving accessibility of train and all public transport services must be a priority.

“It isn’t fair or just that wheelchair users have limited options and are forced to use certain train services due to capacity, which is becoming more and more of an issue for all commuters.

“Train services, particularly from Kildare to Heuston, are constantly overcrowded which makes it difficult for wheelchair users to access rail services.”

He concluded by asserting: “There is a clear and growing need now to provide not only more frequent trains, but also increasing the number of carriages and dedicated wheelchair spaces to meet the demand of Kildare commuters.”