Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen has officially opened the new accessibility features at Tullamore Station, as part of Iarnród Éireann's investment programme in accessibility improvements on the Galway-Dublin line.

These improvements are designed to give greater access to those with mobility and sensory impairments, as well as offering improved facilities to families travelling with small children and heavy baggage.

Improvements have include a new footbridge which encompasses fully accessible lifts; improved external lighting on the footbridge; both platforms fitted with tactile strips to assist those with visual impairment; and platform lighting significantly upgraded.

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In addition to induction loops installed on the platform to assist the visually impaired, with Help Points also fitted.

Inside the station a split level ticket counter to make obtaining tickets easier for those with mobility impairment, particularly wheelchair users; a fully accessible toilet has also been installed.

Internal surfaces were significantly upgraded with slip resistant flooring and colour contrast strips on the walls and all exterior doors made automatic.

A dedicated pedestrian walkway was also provided from the street to the entrance of the station.

CIÉ and Iarnród Éireann Chairman Dr John Lynch said: "We've developed standards to be included in all station designs - in our new stations, and in improvement works such as those here at Tullamore."

Investment in accessibility on the Galway route is totalling €12m and investment in Tullamore station alone is in excess of €2.5m.

(PR/JM)