Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 1

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

142 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the measures, if any, which have been taken to improve accessibility for wheelchair users of public transport, including road and rail services, in line with the requirements set out by the Irish Wheelchair Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19822/99]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

It is my policy that all transport operators, and in particular State transport companies, should provide the highest possible degree of accessibility within the overall resources available to them. The CIE companies are fully aware of my policy and I recently asked each of them to establish accessibility units and to appoint full time accessibility officers.

It is the established policy of Iarnród Éireann that all new trains and stations, together with major refurbishment projects at existing stations, should take account of the needs of mobility impaired customers.

DART and new suburban rail rolling stock is accessible. Significant resources are being devoted to the provision of ramps, lifts, tactile surfaces, etc. By the end of 1999 it is expected that Dublin Bus will have approximately 33 accessible buses in operation. From 2000 all new buses purchased by Dublin Bus will be low floor and fully accessible.

Bus Éireann currently has 21 accessible buses in operation with a further 20 on order. It is Bus Éireann's intention to purchase low floor accessible large capacity single deck buses when replacing its urban fleet.

The forthcoming National Development Plan will include significant provisions in relation to the accessibility of public transport.