Portlaoise train station 'out of bounds' for wheelchair users claims councillor
A Portlaoise councillor has levelled criticism at Irish Rail for leaving the town's train station "out of bounds" to wheelchair users.
Fine Gael Cllr Thomasina Connell said she is "appalled", after she took part in the recent Make Way day which surveyed Laois towns on disability access, along with Laois wheelchair users.
"I was appalled at how difficult is to to navigate certain parts of the town, but the train station element is out of bounds.
"A lot of the tarmac is uneven, and there is very rarely a member of staff in the station to assist users to get on the train.
"I really think it is urgent at this stage. It's completely unfair and unequal that wheelchair users cannot access the station
Laois County Council is to ask Irish Rail to carry out an urgent review of its disability access, on foot of a motion tabled by Cllr Connell.
"Hopefully Irish Rail have the courtesy to respond. If you don't get a reply in two months, let us know. It can be challenging to deal with this entity," she said.
Cllr Barry Walsh supports her motion.
"Being in a wheelchair does open your eyes, we need to get behind this. It actually is a no-go area for people with disabilities," he said. He suggests waiting just one month before making a further request for action.
The Portlaoise Municipal District Cathaoirleach is Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.
"A lot of people in wheelchairs have to go to Dublin for hospital appointments. This makes that even more difficult," she noted.