Overview

Dublin Connolly Station is one of the main terminus stations in Dublin. From here trains go across the border to Belfast/ Northern Ireland. It provides inter-city and commuter service to the north, north-west, south-east and south-west. I used this station when I travelled to/from Drogheda from Dublin and I sincerely hope that I never have to use it again, as I had an awful experience when I needed to use the accessible toilet. When something as basic as being able to pee is problematic it clouds my view on a venue and makes me not want to return.

Transport & Parking

The station itself serves commuter and inter-city services in Ireland. Adjacent to the station is the Connolly tram stop, see photos. There are also several bus routes that stop outside. On my way to the station I got the local commuter line train from Drumcondra to Connolly. Then I did a return trip on the train to Drogheda, and following the exit signs I came out of the station next to the tram line.

Access

The station has step free access throughout. However, poor signage meant when I arrived I wasted a lot of time trying to work out where I needed to go. I had to exit the platform, purchase a ticket for my trip and then work out which trains stopped at the station I was going to visit. I had to find the information desk to get the information I wanted. Likewise when I was leaving the station at the end of the day, it wasn't clear which exit to make to. There is a lack of seating before the ticket barriers and once inside the seating area for the train going to Belfast, there were lots of seats but not enough for all the people waiting. When the train was coming in suddenly there was a rush to join the queue, see photo, I was worried if I would manage to get a seat on the train, but thankfully I did. I have no idea where passenger assistance was based.

Toilets

I think the station's Changing Places toilet is behind the barrier in the waiting room for trains to Belfast. I say I think as I saw the sign and asked to use it but it was locked, using a key that had to be collected from the information desk. Later, I tried to use the accessible toilet in the main concourse area. Above the door is a Changing Places sign. The photos I took are from inside this toilet. It is a large, spacious accessible toilet but it lacks a hoist and height adjustable changing mat, it is definitely not a Changing Places toilet and so the sign is misleading. The toilet has grab rails and an emergency cord which was tied up when I arrived (see photo). Next to the toilet was a sanitary bin with its lid missing, so anyone could easily see its contents. On one side of the sink was a large cleaning machine and an empty canister next to it.

Staff

On my way to Drogheda, while I was waiting in the Belfast waiting room, which was after the barriers, I asked a member of staff for the key to the accessible toilet in the waiting room. I was told that I would have to go back through the barriers and go to the information desk to get a key. I was anxious that in doing so I might miss my train so I held it in (sorry to be crude). On the way back I wanted to use the accessible toilet after the ticket barriers. It was locked and a sign said that you had to go to the information desk for the key. When I arrived I spoke with Ryan who was on duty. I asked him for the key and I also asked why the toilet had not been fitted with a RADAR key to enable disabled people independence when using the toilet. I was told that it was locked due to anti social behaviour. I got out my RADAR key to show him and the look of disinterest on his face was most rude. I then asked to fill in a complaint form which I did and when I handed it in I then had to ask again for the toilet key. he told me that the toilet was now open. I went back to find the toilet door still locked. I think I swore, and a by-passer offered to help and went to find a security guard to open the door. The security guard was very helpful an sympathetic about the situation. I wrote a complaint and the reply was that both accessible toilets are closed due to anti social behaviour. My suggestion of a RADAR key is going to be passed on to management.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

The station could improve its disabled access by: Changing the locks on its accessible toilets so they open with a RADAR key, and thus enabling disabled people to have independence when going to the toilet. I totally appreciate the issue of antisocial behaviour particularly when I saw the groups of people hanging around outside of the station by the tram stop, screaming and shouting at 5pm in the afternoon, but it should seriously consider adopting either RADAR keys or issue all staff with the accessible toilet key so disabled people, especially those with bladder and bowl conditions are not delayed in getting to the toilet when they need to use it. The Changing Places sign above the door of the accessible toilet in the concourse needs to be removed as it is not a Changing Places toilet. Signage around the station could generally do with being improved and a map or two of the train network from the station would be appreciate by visitors like myself who are not familiar with the Irish railway set up. Staff could benefit from disability awareness training. Sorry can't abide rudeness and ableism so can't recommend visiting this station.

Photos