Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2014
21. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of Bus Éireann's obligations under the Disability Act 2005 which envisages that the entire scheduled service coach fleet here will have been replaced by wheelchair accessible coaches by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36749/14]
View answerTransport Access for All (my Department’s Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005) sets out a series of policy objectives and targets for accessible public transport across all modes.
This includes providing coach-based services that are accessible to people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. While significant progress has been made in recent years the 100% target for Bus Éireann PSO coach services by end-2015 will not now be met due to funding reductions in my Departments capital budget in recent years.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), with funds provided by my Department, grant aids the purchase of replacement coaches and buses for Bus Éireann's coach and city PSO services. The Bus Éireann fleet that operates the city services is now 100% wheelchair accessible while the Bus Éireann PSO coach fleet will reach 60% wheelchair accessibility by the end of 2015 from a current level of 56%.
Funding is also being provided to increase the number of accessible bus stops on the PSO coach routes so as to increase the number of accessible routes.
Funding will continue to be provided under my Department's capital plans with a view to making existing infrastructure fully accessible.
