Accessibility works at Rathmore Railway Station have now been completed and were officially marked with an event at the station attended by Iarnród Éireann representatives, local councillors, members of the Disability Users Group, and the local community.

Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Martin Grady, said the project reflects Iarnród Éireann’s commitment to accessibility:
“This project shows how committed Iarnród Éireann is to providing accessibility for all rail users with a focus on those with disabilities and limited mobility,” he said.
“I want to commend the National Transport Authority for providing the funding to bring this project to fruition and the contractors, Ward and Burke, for a high standard finish to the project.
“I also want to take this opportunity to highlight Iarnród Éireann's existing accessibility features for passengers with disabilities — including accessible space on carriages, priority seating, ramps and staff assistance. The new footbridge, lifts and other upgrades will complement those services.”
The work, carried out by Ward & Burke over a 13-month period, included the installation of a new footbridge with two 13-person lifts, along with other improvements around the station.
The upgrades were funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority as part of Iarnród Éireann’s ongoing accessibility improvement programme. Rathmore joins a growing list of stations with upgraded access, following similar works at Little Island and Banteer. Accessibility projects are currently ongoing at five other stations nationwide.
Colin Grimes, Programme Manager at Iarnród Éireann, said:
“The opening of this bridge at Rathmore demonstrates our commitment to making the railway more accessible to all. This new infrastructure will provide ease of access for generations to come for customers from Rathmore.
We are also honoured to be joined by members of our Disability Users Group here today, as their input is essential to ensuring that the upgrade works we undertake provide the best possible solution for persons with reduced mobility.”
John O’Flynn, Head of Customer Experience at the NTA, added:
“We are proud to support Iarnród Éireann in delivering meaningful improvements to accessibility across the rail network. These upgrades will make a real difference in the daily lives of passengers with reduced mobility. The NTA remains committed to funding and advancing accessibility projects that foster a more equitable and connected public transport system.”

Iarnród Éireann says it can’t afford to build a footbridge to connect Killarney’s bus and train stations. Apparently, the estimated €5 million price tag is too steep.
But here’s the thing: if they can build one in Rathmore, why not Killarney?
This week, there was a big event in Rathmore (see main story) to officially open a brand new footbridge with lifts making the station fully accessible.
It took 13 months to build, and it’s a brilliant result for the people of Rathmore.
But let’s be honest.
Killarney sees far more footfall; locals, tourists, elderly passengers, families dragging luggage, and people with limited mobility.
Yet we’re told there’s no money for a simple piece of infrastructure that would link two key transport hubs sitting just metres apart.
Right now, if you want to change from train to bus in Killarney, you have to walk 400 metres in the rain, either through the Outlet Centre (if it’s open), or all the way around it. That’s not just inconvenient, it’s unfair.
No one’s begrudging Rathmore or any other town their progress. But if a full footbridge with two 13-person lift can be built there or even over the county bounds in Banteer, then what’s stopping the same happening in one of Ireland’s busiest tourist towns?
This isn’t about luxury. It’s about basic accessibility and common sense. We’re calling on Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority to revisit the Killarney bridge plan.