ENNISCORTHY WHEELCHAIR users were unable to enjoy their planned Christmas shopping trip to Dublin recently when Irish Rail could not take them on a train.
Teresa Ryan (35) Shannon Hill and Bernadette Flood (28) from Ferns say they were left feeling “disappointed and discriminated against” after they were left on the platform at Enniscorthy train station on Tuesday.
Their friend Annette Byrne (41) from Cluain Charman, Enniscorthy, who also avails of a wheelchair, refused to travel on-board the 7.20 a.m Rosslare to Connolly Station service when there was no room on board for her two companions.
The women were supposed to be heading up to the capital for a day of festive shopping, which was organised by the Wexford Wheelchair Association.
Barry Kenny, Corporate Communications Manager of Iarnród Éireann explained to The Echo that a three-carriage train was in operation on the day that has two dedicated wheelchair spaces, “which ordinarily caters for the demand for wheelchair spaces on this service”.
“Two customers in wheelchairs boarded at Wexford Station, while a group including four customers in wheelchairs presented at Enniscorthy Station,” Mr. Kenny said.
These customers were Ms. Ryan, Ms. Flood and Ms. Byrne, as well as another man who was not associated with the Wexford Wheelchair Association outing.
Mr. Kenny continued: “Only one was in a position to transfer to a seat from their wheelchair, meaning three were unable to travel. Another wheelchair user presented at Gorey Station and was able to transfer to a seat so also travelled. We apologise that the full group could not be accommodated.”
He added that if notice had been given, a “more suitable train” would have been arranged.
But Independent Wexford councillor Mary Farrell, who is also a service co-ordinator for the Irish Wheelchair Association, said that even if contact had been made, it wouldn’t have made a difference.
“You and I don’t have to ring ahead if we decide we want to go to Dublin. It’s meant to be an inclusive society. Irish Rail needs additional resources to stop this happening again,” she said.
“The three women had travelled to Dublin on the train during the summer so didn’t think they would have any problems and certainly didn’t expect to face that embarrassment. They were denied access and because of that they feel discriminated against – they should have the freedom of choice and independence like everyone else.”
Cllr. Farrell said that it is hoped to re-arrange the trip at another time, if Ms. Ryan, Ms. Byrne and Ms. Flood wish to do so.
