Shane Rothwell speaks to Disability Matters about the lack of accessible hoists in Irish hotels
On this week’s Disability Matters, host John Comiskey spoke with long-time BCIL friend Shane Rothwell, who highlighted a barrier thousands of disabled people in Ireland know too well: the near-total absence of hotel rooms with ceiling hoists.
Shane needs a ceiling hoist for safe transfers — portable hoists simply do not work for him, as they require two people and aren’t compatible with his needs. But despite weeks of searching, contacting hotels, and checking accessibility directories, he found nowhere in Ireland that could provide what he requires for even a single night away.
“Why shouldn’t I be able to go on holiday?”
John opened the conversation by asking Shane about his experience trying to book an accessible hotel room.
Shane explained that while some hotels offer portable hoists, they are not usable for him, and require hiring extra equipment at his own expense:
“They told me I’d have to hire a hoist. I don’t have the money for that. Why should I not go on holiday?”
Across multiple hotels, the answer was the same:
no ceiling hoist, no fully accessible room, and no alternative support.
A national issue — with almost no solutions
To better understand the situation, John contacted the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF).
Their response confirmed what Shane suspected:
- They do not maintain a list of hotels with ceiling hoists.
- They believe “very few” exist.
- They said they might begin compiling a list next year.
John also reviewed well-known accessible travel resources:
- Fáilte Ireland – no list of hotels with hoists
- DisabledHolidays.com – hoist option available, but no results
- EnableMyTrip – one Dublin listing, but no hoist
- Randles Hotel, Killarney – accessible suite, but no ceiling hoist and door widths too narrow for larger wheelchairs
Shane described the situation bluntly:
“We hear next year, next year. But we can’t live like this.”
Cost, inequality, and the right to travel
Shane highlighted the financial reality for many disabled people:
“People with disabilities don’t get paid an awful lot. They have to cope with what they have.”
Travel abroad could provide better accessibility — many European hotels routinely have ceiling hoists — but the cost is far beyond reach.
The injustice is clear:
Irish disabled people are effectively excluded from staying in hotels in their own country.
A widespread barrier that needs urgent action
John emphasised that Shane’s experience is far from unique. The lack of hoists affects countless people who rely on them for independence, safety, and dignity.
He committed to monitoring progress:
“I’ll check with the Hotel Federation of Ireland next year. I’ll keep an eye on those sites — and I’ll come back to you.”
Shane expressed his thanks to John and to BCIL for transport support and for helping him raise an issue that extends far beyond one person:
“This is a problem a lot of people with disabilities share.”
Conclusion
Shane’s story is a powerful reminder that accessibility is not a luxury — it is a right.
A country that promotes inclusive tourism cannot leave essential equipment like ceiling hoists optional. For many, a simple night away remains impossible.
That must change.
About the Episode
This interview aired on Disability Matters with John Comiskey on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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