During Aviation Conference Week held in Dublin last month. I had the opportunity to attend a networking event hosted by Altavair and EirTrade Aviation, at the newly opened Vision Ireland Wayfinding Centre. Located in the former Smurfit Kappa Printworks site on Botanic Road, Glasnevin.
According to the 2022 Census, 22% of Ireland’s population lives with some form of disability, yet only about 6% of this group use public transport on a regular basis. Lack of training and confidence are often cited as key factors contributing to this low figure.
The Vision Ireland Wayfinding Centre, designed to simulate real-world public transport scenarios, offering a safe and inclusive environment where individuals with access needs can build their confidence in navigating various transport systems. This initiative aims to address the barriers preventing people with disabilities from regularly using public transport.
The centre’s streetscape is meticulously designed to replicate the built environment of public transportation areas, incorporating realistic elements such as lighting, acoustics, and potential hazards.
The centre features a Luas carriage, a DART carriage, a Bus Éireann coach, a double-decker bus, a taxi, and forward section of a former Air France Airbus A319-100 aircraft. The latter, an Airbus A319 (F-GRHL msn 1201), was donated by Dublin-based aircraft lessor AerCap and dismantled by EirTrade Aviation , at Ireland West Airport, Knock Co Mayo. The aircraft’s last flight from Toulouse to Ireland West Airport took place on November 29, 2022.
The Wayfinding Centre has five key objectives:
1. Transport Specific Disability Awareness Training – Available for all front facing transport staff working for Public Transport Operators.
2. Transport and mobility skills training-available to the 1.1million people in the state with a disability, older adults and people with access needs.
3. Research and Education -embed inclusive design content in to undergraduate programs in architecture, engineering, surveying, planning and technology.
4. Continued Professional Development (CPD) -With Professional Institutes for Built Environment professionals.
5. Setting Nation Standards – For the public realm and provide opportunities for industry collaboration alongside people with disabilities to futureproof designs and services, to advance mobility for all.
To learn more watch Talking mobility challenges with Frank O’Hagan, Chris White & Ken Fitzgibbon.
Image Credit: RNIB Northern Ireland
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 10 February 2025 All Rights Reserved
