The recognition follows a rigorous four-stage process developed by the World Health Organization, which included a walkability study to assess the station’s facilities and surrounding infrastructure. Improvements made as part of the initiative include accessible toilets, age-friendly parking, and wheelchair-accessible spaces.

Led by Age Friendly Ireland in collaboration with the Laois Age Friendly Programme, Laois County Council, and Iarnród Éireann, the initiative is part of a broader push to make public services more accessible to older people.

"Making public transport more accessible and age-friendly is part of the toolkit to ensure older people can age well and remain connected and integrated in their communities," said Minister for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell.

Ballybrophy now joins Kilkenny’s MacDonagh Station as the only two rail stations with this designation, with more expected to follow. Stations currently undergoing the assessment process include Dublin’s Heuston, Limerick Colbert, Tullamore, and Killarney, among others.

Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade confirmed the rail operator’s ambition for all 146 train stations nationwide to achieve Age Friendly status. “We’re investing in infrastructure upgrades across the network to enhance accessibility and facilitate safe, independent access for more of our customers,” he said.

He added that staff are also receiving Accessibility and Disability Awareness training to ensure a more inclusive service.

The Age Friendly Stations Initiative supports Iarnród Éireann’s wider vision of creating a sustainable and accessible transport network that connects and serves communities across Ireland.