Wheelchair users say they are being discriminated against because broken lifts aren't being fixed promptly at some DART stations.
A protest is being held at Clontarf Road to highlight the problems access issues cause for people with disabilities getting around the city.
Some lifts have been out of service for up to two weeks.
Among those at today's protest - organised by the DART Access for All group - included wheelchair users, activists and People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett.
They're pointing out that calls for people to cycle or walk more are not options for many people living with a disability, and therefore accessible public transport is vital.
📣 “This is not acceptable” 📣
Stand-up comedian Saoirse Smith had to quit her job because it was so difficult getting around Dublin on the DART.
A protest was held earlier to highlight the problems caused by lifts which keep breaking down at stations pic.twitter.com/tbvEIEdlfh— Stephen Murphy (@StephenMNews) July 26, 2019
Attending today's demonstration, nine-year-old Sophia said the situation is not right.
She said: "It's very bad that [people] just had to abandon their trip altogether.
"It takes only four days to get to the Moon, but it takes two weeks to fix a lift - that just doesn't make sense."
Deputy Boyd Barrett, meanwhile, said equality of access on public transport must become a "redline issue".
He argued: “Very many stations in my area of Dún Laoghaire, but also all along the DART line, have experienced major issues with the lifts. In many cases, the lifts are not operational for long periods of time.
“This situation is totally unacceptable and must be addressed by the government in the upcoming budget."
He said fully functional lifts are a "minimum", and also called for "drastic improvements" to access points at DART stations.
Irish Rail response
Responding to the demonstration, Irish Rail says it works to restore lift service as quickly as possible when they break down - usually within 24 hours.
However, they acknowledge that it can take longer when specific parts or major repairs are needed.
The rail firm also said there's a programme of "preventative maintenance" ongoing at the moment - meaning there are currently more issues than usual, but as part of an effort to improve reliability in the future.
In a statement, they said: "We apologise for the issues experienced, particularly in locations where there have been recurring issues.
"We are confident that the works currently taking place will improve reliability."
The transport company says it would welcome the opportunity to meet with DART Access for All to discuss the issues raised.
