Laois Train Station Wins Age and Disability Friendly Award

Friday, 2 May 2025 08:51

Anna May McHugh, Age Friendly Laois Ambassador and Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association enjoy a laugh with a Laois commuter

A presentation will be made on the Ballybrophy Station platform this morning.

A Laois train station is being recognised today for its commitment to making public transport more accessible and inclusive for older people, and people with disabilities.

Ballybrophy Train Station is being awarded age-friendly status following consultation with local Laois older people and Irish Rail.

The station now has Age Friendly car parking spaces, wheelchair accessible spaces, appropriate signage on platform seating and waiting areas, as well as accessible toilets.

Speaking on the announcement, Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “Today, with the recognition of Ballybrophy as an Age Friendly Station, we’re delighted to launch of the first phase of our Age Friendly Stations Initiative – an initiative which ultimately intends for each of our 146 stations to attain Age Friendly Status. Our vision for rail in Ireland is to be the backbone of an integrated, sustainable, and accessible public transport network, connecting and serving all of Ireland’s communities.

We’re investing in infrastructure upgrades across the network to enhance accessibility and facilitate safe, independent access for more of our customers, while also providing our staff with Accessibility and Disability Awareness training. Initiatives like these are helping us to provide a better, more inclusive service to customers.”

Anna May McHugh, Age Friendly Laois Ambassador and Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association, said: “It is a privilege to see our local communities come together with a shared goal of ensuring everyone is included and no one is left behind when we are creating public services in Ireland.

With a high number of older people living in rural communities such as Ballybrophy, it is important that they have equal access to public transport, and that the work is done to ensure they can have a high quality of life. I want to empower older people in rural communities to avail of these services, and continue to live a long and social life. I look forward to taking more trips via Ballybrophy, knowing it now carries the Age Friendly mark.”

Tom Curran, Programme Manager of Age Friendly Laois added: "As the number of older people in our population continues to grow, it is essential that transport infrastructure is developed and made accessible to all. As part of our walkability audit last year, we worked with Iarnród Éireann to investigate ways to enhance the offering of Ballybrophy Train Station and are proud it has officially become Age Friendly accredited.

The station now has Age Friendly car parking spaces, wheelchair accessible spaces and accompanying signage available on platform seating and waiting areas, and accessible toilets.”