On 29 August 2025, I visited the Costa Coffee drive-through branch in Port Laoise and encountered something that left me both frustrated and concerned: the disabled toilet had no emergency pull cord.

What made the situation even more troubling was the presence of a sign inside the toilet referencing the cord—an essential safety feature for anyone with mobility challenges or medical conditions. The sign was there. The cord was not.

I took a photo that day to document the issue, not out of spite, but out of necessity. Accessibility isn’t just about ramps and wide doorways—it’s about dignity, safety, and the ability to call for help when needed. For many disabled individuals, an emergency cord can be the difference between a manageable situation and a crisis.

Costa Coffee is a brand that prides itself on inclusivity and customer care. That’s why this oversight feels so jarring. It’s not just a missing cord—it’s a missing commitment to the people who rely on these facilities.

I’ve contacted Costa’s customer service and asked for a response. But this isn’t just about one branch or one company. It’s about holding public spaces accountable to the standards they claim to uphold.

If you’ve experienced similar issues, speak up. Share your story. Accessibility shouldn’t be optional—it should be automatic.