Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised a valid point. The decision to move to a self-service station in Muine Bheag in 2019 was part of a wider decision by Iarnród Éireann to rebalance its operations. The Minister suggests that as it is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann, it would be very well placed for the Deputy to contact it on this issue.

The experience of Iarnród Éireann has been that toilet facilities in unmanned stations attract higher levels of antisocial behaviour as well as more incidence of vandalism. However, we all know, if someone is waiting for a train and they are short taken it is very important that the toilet is in operation and that it is available. I know the service from Waterford to Carlow to Dublin. It is all well and good that the trains are of the very highest quality. They are the newest and the most modern fleet. Deputy Ó Cathasaigh will know this very well. They have excellent facilities on board but I take the Deputy's point about anyone who is waiting at the station. It is a beautiful location. The Deputy would be well placed to raise this with Iarnród Éireann. I have no doubt that the Disability Federation of Ireland would also support her call.

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