Bus Éireann refuses motorised scooter on Kilrush‑Ennis route

A West Clare mobility‑scooter user was denied access to a Bus Éireann coach on the Kilrush‑Ennis service on 4 September, leaving him unable to travel to see his terminally‑ill daughter in Belfast.

Michael Mulholland, who has been registered as blind since January and relies wholly on public transport, attempted to board the bus with his small disability scooter. He says no specific reason was given at the time, other than that staff had been instructed not to allow any motorised wheelchairs, scooters or similar devices on the service.

Mulholland told reporters that the driver was “absolutely dumbfounded” when he explained his need to travel to Belfast and that the driver “really wanted me to get on that bus”. However, the driver said he was unable to permit the scooter under the new policy.

Following the incident, Mulholland called Bus Éireann. A company representative confirmed that motorised disability scooters are no longer permitted on the Kilrush‑Ennis inner‑circle route, although they remain allowed on larger services such as those between Ennis and Limerick or Ennis and Cork.

The refusal has left Mulholland without a means to reach his daughter, highlighting concerns over accessibility for disabled passengers on regional bus services.

Source: Clare Champion. Photo: CK Seng / Pexels.