Irish Rail commits to upgrading lifts at DART stations

Dublin People 07 Feb 2020

Irish Rail has committed to replacing and upgrading lifts at all DART and commuter rail stations over the next five years, according to a disability campaigner.

Bernard Mulvany, a member of the Access for All Campaign, said the news represented an amazing victory for the disabled community.

“Their right to access to public transport has finally been recognised” said Mr Mulvany, who is a general election candidate for People Before Profit in Dublin Bay North.

He revealed that on one day last November, there were 11 DART stations where lifts were out of order. Recently, the campaign had noted that the problem with out-of-service lifts was getting worse along the line.

Mr Mulvany stated: “This proves that campaigning works. It is the only way to get change."

Irish Rail has now outlined its plans to install 28 new lifts and upgrade a further 112 lifts across the rail network between 2020 and 2024.

Mr Mulvaney said Irish Rail had committed to the following upgrades: 28 new heavy-duty, stainless steel lifts will be installed at 19 stations; 112 lifts at 58 stations will be upgraded with new operating systems; and new escalators will be installed at Pearse, Connolly and Dún Laoghaire.

It is estimated that lift upgrade works over the next five years will cost €12 million.

Irish Rail intends to have a contractor in place by the summer with works due to commence later this year.

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