A young man’s challenge to travel across all 32 counties on public transport will air on RTE’s Nationwide tonight in an exciting programme.
James Casserly uses a wheelchair and began a blog documenting his experiences on public transport this April. The 17-year-old also uploaded videos of his journeys and the accessibility of different transport providers while on board.
The teenager’s experience will feature on tonight’s Nationwide episode and reveal what different counties across Ireland lack - but also get right- in terms of inclusivity and overall access. His parents have supported him throughout the process and are as hopeful as James that it will inspire change.
READ MORE: Rathmines residents blast advertisers for 'unpleasant' intrusive LED board
James told Dublin Live: “I want people to come away from it knowing that anything is possible and that you can travel anywhere you want. Don’t let anyone stop you because there’s always a way to travel and do things. Don’t let anyone push you over or let a bus driver tell you that you can’t get on. You always have to advocate for yourself and not be afraid to do it.”
His mother Vicki, a former Mayor of South Dublin, said Dublin Bus and Irish Rail have engaged brilliantly with James throughout the entire process. However, she added the pair identified several issues with wheelchair access throughout their travels which need to be addressed.
Both James and Vicki have not yet seen the episode as they want to watch the final edit with their family and friends. However, they have been blown away by the public response to James’ blog and believe the programme will hit home for families in similar situations.
Vicki said: “We’ve had a lot of families contacting us who may have been a bit nervous doing public transport in the past. They are now taking the opportunity to try it and see what it’s like, which is really good as well.”
The accessibility of transport varied depending on the county. James said transport in places such as Portlaoise and Carlow had the correct supports in place, while Dublin was “middling” when compared to other cities he has travelled to abroad.
James, alongside his mam, believes that people with additional needs should be able to access public transport with the same ease as everyone else. He added that the show will shed a light on the barriers wheelchair users face while travelling.
READ MORE: Green Party councillor slams 'politicisation' of ban on live animal crib
For instance, James travels via Irish Rail weekly from Connolly Station to Bray, a journey that is reliant on the use of a wheelchair ramp. The absence of a person at the train station to manoeuvre the ramp can make a wheelchair user’s commute incredibly difficult.
Vicki heaped praise on James, saying his proactive nature towards public transport in Ireland comes across in the programme. The positive communication between James and transport providers such as Irish Rail have made the experience a truly rewarding one.
Vicki added: “James has been proactive and positive throughout this whole process and has worked with people as opposed to giving out about what’s wrong. We’ve been together on this journey and it’s so important to show what can be done.”
James journey will air on RTE 1 tonight at 7pm.
READ MORE
Dublin City Council considering hiking parking fees for 'gas guzzling' cars with higher emissions
Irish people neglecting lung cancer symptoms due to expensive GP bills
Snow predictions for Ireland this November, according to weather chart
Met Eireann weather presenter Joanna Donnelly 'fuming' over theft in Howth
Dad's heartbreak as DCU student Nicola Furlong's killer to be released from jail
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
