Taoiseach Simon Harris has officially opened a new sensory room at Dublin Airport, emphasising the airport’s dedication to providing an inclusive environment for passengers with autism, dementia, cognitive impairment, and sensory needs.
The new sensory room, located in Terminal 1 near the 200 gates, complements an existing facility in Terminal 2, offering features such as relaxing music, mood lighting, a bubble wall, bean bags, digital displays, textured flooring, and memory and motor skill games that can be adjusted to provide a calming or stimulating environment.
Dublin Airport also provides an ‘Important Flyer’ program, offering wristbands or lanyards to passengers with sensory issues to signal to staff that additional assistance may be required.
Designed by Robert Byrne of the Sensory Pod, a Dublin-based company specializing in calming spaces for both children and adults, the new sensory room reflects Dublin Airport’s commitment to ensuring all passengers, regardless of their sensory needs, can travel comfortably and with dignity.
Taoiseach Simon Harris said, “Today marks a milestone in Dublin Airport’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all passengers travelling from our national airport. The opening of this new sensory room is proof of daa’s commitment to ensure that everyone, regardless of their sensory needs, can be afforded the same opportunity to travel in comfort and with dignity. This initiative not only enhances the travel experience for passengers with autism, dementia, and other sensory needs but is a tangible example that we are making strides towards a more inclusive society.”
Gary McLean Dublin Airport Managing Director said: “The opening of our second sensory room is a significant step towards making Dublin Airport a more inclusive space. It is essential that we cater to the needs of all our passengers, ensuring their journey is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.”
