Blind passenger using new lift in Athy to cross from platform 2 to exit on platform 1 - 04.11.2025).

The grand opening of the new footbridge and lift at Athy Station, Co. Kildare took place on 04.11.2025. The following bodycam video shows a blind long cane user navigating from platform 2 to the station exit on platform 1.

The original footbridge at the Dublin end of platforms 1 and 2 is out of service and will remain in situ as there is a preservation order on same.

En route to the lift, he passes a new sheltered waiting area which is indented from the platform and has full size panels to offer much needed protection from the elements.
In the shelter is stainless steel seating for 4 passengers with an arm rest at either end and beside this an area for a wheelchair passenger.

Following the platform edge off-set blister tactile for a few metres, he moves to the leftand follows a metal drain beside the brick wall.

Progressing down the platform, he passes additional stainless steel seating with arm rests for for 4 passengers, a light pole and a second set of stainless steel seating for 4 passengers.

The blind passenger passes an old station building (water tower) which indents to the left for the lift entrance.
The lift call button is not live at the moment so he presses the regular button underneath.
He uses the lift to cross from platform 2 to platform 1 on the opposite side.
A 'bing' sound alerts the passenger that the lift door has opened.
He enters and presses 1 to bring him upstairs to the footbridge.
When the door opens, he hears 'first floor - chéad urlár'.
Following the wall on the left, he walks straight ahead until he reaches two rows of 8 line cuordroy warning tactile at the top of the stairs. This appears to be a stuck on surface mounted tactile rather than being flush with the surrounding surface.
A continuous hand rail assists passengers down the stairs to platform 1.

Apologies for the sound of wind when crossing over the tracks.
The footbridge is covered overhead and has metal mesh windows leaving air through on the left and right sides. It does not however feature a continuous horizontal hand rail to assist you from one side to another which would be very beneficial when wind and rain are coming through the mesh.

The blind passenger walks straight ahead until he reaches two rows of 8 line cuordroy warning tactile at the top of the stairs down to platform 1.
Accessible signage with raised text 'PFM 1' and braille is attached to the hand rail on both sides.
The braille is positioned at 4 o'clock which I find makes it difficulty to read as you are doing so at an angle.

He sweeps his long cane left and right against the wall until he reaches the lift.
The lift call button is not live at the moment so he presses the regular button underneath.
A 'bing' sound alerts the passenger that the lift door has opened.
He enters and presses 0 to bring him downstairs to the platform 1 and the exit.

Exiting the lift, he walks out to the platform edge off-set blister tactile and then walks to the left to follow the wall. The passenger then walks past the footbridge and detects the mesh and the two rows of 8 line cuordroy warning tactile at the base of the stairs.

Finding the exit is difficult as there is no tactile warning surface indicator diverging from the platform edge. I undestand that Iarnród Éireann are working on a solution though so hopefully we will see that over the next few months.

He walks down the platform and then turns around as he thinks he may have gone past the exit.
The passenger then passes a bin which is directly followed a half width covered shelter.
Following the metal drain on the platform, he follows the wall and walks into an accessible station map which includes both English and Irish as well as braille and a raised map.
This signage should possibly be relocated to perhaps overhang the wall behind it to keep it out of harms way. A tap rail could possibly be added to it also.

Adjacent to this is a realtime pole and passenger information pole with metal foot and tap rail to stop you walking into it in error. The sos - emergency and information buttons are missing from the unit and a wooden panel is in situ for the moment.
The RTPI or realtime passenger information display will be connected up in the coming weeks.
The passenger then walks to the right and detects two rows or 8 line cuordroy tactile paving leading up to a strairs. He then uses the ramp to the right and follows the hand rail all the way to bring him to the station to the car park.

Barry O'Donnell.
Volunteer Advocate with Voice of Vision Impairment - (VVI).
web: www.vvi.ie email: [email protected] twitter: @vviireland