Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 February 2014
751. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the budget for retrofitting existing DART trains; the retrofitting jobs that are being carried out on current DART stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9587/14]
View answer753. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is expected to order new DART rolling stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9591/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 751 and 753 together.
Following representations from my Department, Iarnrod Eireann undertook a feasibility study into the installation of automatic wheelchair ramps to the existing fleet. I understand that the study concluded that retrofitting is technically very challenging and would involve considerable structural alteration to the trains design and that the best approach would be to incorporate ramps into trains at design stage of new rolling stock.
The future procurement of new DART rolling stock will therefore include provision for automatic wheelchair ramps.
In the light of the Iarnród Eireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a direct response. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
