Train station in Laois is designated Age Friendly
Pictured at the unveiling of Ballybrophy Train Station as 'Age Friendly' are members of the Laois Age Friendly Older People's Council. Photo: Jason Clarke
BALLYBROPHY Train Station was officially named ‘Age Friendly’ at a launch ceremony on Friday 2 May.
The recognition is in line with the principles of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities and was led by Age Friendly Ireland in collaboration with the Laois Age Friendly Programme, Laois County Council and Iarnród Éireann.
The Laois Train Station became the second such one in Ireland following MacDonagh Train Station in Kilkenny.
Present at the launch was Minister for Older People Kieran O’Donnell who unveiled the Age Friendly plaque.
He said: “My priority is ensuring that as people get older, they are supported to live in their own homes and communities with the correct wraparound supports. Making public transport more accessible and age friendly is part of the toolkit to ensure older people can age well and remain connected and integrated in their communities.”
The Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade said: “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.”
Age Friendly Laois Ambassador and Managing Director of the National Ploughing Association Anna May McHugh 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.”
Programme Manager of Age Friendly Laois Tom Curran: “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.”
Iarnród Éireann said it wants all 146 train stations across the country to attain Age Friendly status.
