Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 3

Written Answers. - Public Transport Access for the Disabled.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

177 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin Bus has just six modified buses to aid wheelchair users; if his attention has further been drawn to the reason given that EU money for disability travel has not yet been released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9245/95]

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

178 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, he has to ensure that any moneys received by CIE, the parent company of Dublin Bus, in connection with improving the accessibility of public transport for those with mobility difficulties will be released as soon as possible and will be spent directly on modifying buses. [9246/95]

Mary Wallace

Question:

179 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the efforts, if any, he is currently making to ensure that all Structural Funds' moneys spent by CIE companies in developing public transport will promote the accessibility of public transport for people with physical disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9371/95]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Lowry)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177, 178 and 179 together.

I assure the Deputy and the House of my commitment to securing improved access to public transport for people with mobility handicaps, including wheelchair users. There is at present an Inter-Departmental Transport Accessibility Committee which is chaired by my Department. Its primary objective is to secure such improvements in accessibility to all modes of public transport as can be implemented within the existing resources of public transport providers and other relevant bodies. Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath are represented on the committee and participate fully in its work.

As a result of initiatives taken by my Department through the committee, there have been considerable improvements in public transport access facilities for people with mobility handicaps.

In so far as rail services are concerned, it is now Iarnród Éireann's policy that all new rail vehicles will be accessible to people with disabilities. DART trains are wheelchair-accessible as are the new Arrow railcars, which also have wheelchair-accessible toilets. The new carriages for the Dublin-Belfast service will also have this facility, while the existing Intercity trains all have at least one dedicated area for wheelchair users in the dining cars. All major railway terminals and the majority of mainline and DART stations are wheelchair-accessible and it is company policy that all new stations and any major refurbishment of existing stations should make provision for the disabled. In addition, particular attention is being given to the needs of people with mobility handicaps in the design of the proposed light rail system for Dublin.

As regards bus services, investments by CIE in bus replacement is a matter for the day to day management of the CIE Group. Both Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann endeavour to obtain the most accessible and user-friendly vehicles available on a cost-effective basis. Both companies in replacing their urban fleets are guided by the recommended specifications of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee, a UK statutory body which advises on the needs and requirements of the mobility impaired. Bus Éireann has also acquired 130 improved coaches for their expressway network, which include a facility whereby the front of the coach may be lowered to facilitate access.

Wheelchair users present the greatest accessibility challenge to bus operators, the main problem being the lack of affordable, operationally-proven and cost-effective wheelchair-accessible buses. In this connection, the introduction of more than 90 wheelchair-accessible taxis in the Dublin area represents a significant step towards providing a flexible, door-to-door facility corresponding to the particular needs of wheelchair users. At the same time, Bus Átha Cliath, with EU funding under the Horizon programme, has purchased 5 wheelchair accessible minibuses and these will operate a new service to be introduced shortly. The operation of the service will be monitored and assessed by the inter-Departmental committee as part of its ongoing programme to maximise the accessibility of public transport infrastructure and services.

With the exception of the new service to be introduced by Bus Átha Cliath under the Horizon Programme, there are no other public transport projects specifically for the disabled funded from EU funds. Investment in new buses is funded by CIE from within its own resources. No EU financial assistance is available for bus fleet replacement.