Replacement escalator at Tipp rail stations

Deputy Michael Lowry has confirmed that the lifts at both Thurles and Templemore railway stations will the replaced over the coming months.

The installation of new heavy duty stainless steel electric traction lift at Templemore Station will commence on April 19th, with work scheduled to last seven weeks. Similar work will be carried out at Thurles Station in the second to third quarter of the year and will take the same duration to complete.

Iarnród Éireann has said that the 2021 programme of investment in lift and escalator replacement and upgrade will benefit passengers of reduced mobility at 22 stations across the country, with two further stations seeing the introduction of new lift facilities being designed and planned.

"The upgrade of lifts in train stations is a key step towards making public transport accessible for all. Lifts which are out of service can significantly impact the ability of persons with reduced mobility to access services," says Deputy Lowry.

The 2021 programme will comprise an investment of €5.8 million, funded by the National Transport Authority, which includes the boost in Budget 2021 of an additional €2 million allocation from the Department of Transport allowing for acceleration of the programme.