Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2012
231 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of new low-floor accessible buses that will be purchased by Dublin Bus in 2012; the number of buses needed to ensure that the entire Dublin Bus fleet would be 100% low-floor accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4196/12]
View answer234 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number and percentage of buses in the Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus fleets that are wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4231/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 234 together.
The number and percentage of Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus fleets which are wheelchair accessible is primarily a matter for the companies concerned. However I am advised by Dublin Bus that currently 93% of their fleet is wheelchair accessible. The fleet will be 100% accessible following the entry into service of the next phase of replacement buses in early 2013 and for which I have allocated funds to the National Transport Authority (NTA) under my Departments Capital Programme 2012-2016.
In relation to Bus Eireann I am advised that currently 59% of their total service fleet is wheelchair accessible. With the introduction of 88 new vehicles in early 2012 and for which my Department also provided funds, total service fleet accessibility will increase to 67%. Within that figure all of the city and town services are fully accessible. Subject to funding it is the aim that the entire Bus Eireann scheduled service coach fleet will have been replaced by wheelchair accessible coaches by 2015.
