Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017
1046. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the way his Department is improving services and increasing supports for persons with disabilities during 2017. [34039/17]
View answerMy Department is involved in improving supports and services for persons with disabilities in the areas under its remit through a number of strategies. Transport Access for All, my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, guides policy in relation to access to transport services for persons with disabilities. My Department is also involved in the Government's broader approach to disability, the National Disability Strategy, and has committed to a number of actions under this strategy.
Accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and new systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. In addition, 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets are wheelchair accessible, as well as approximately 80% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet.
With regard to existing infrastructure, there is an ongoing Accessibility Grants Programme to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to help improve transport accessibility across the country. The programme is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department.
Funding is being provided to the NTA in 2017 for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations, for accessible bus stops and bus stations, and for a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme. Funding is also provided via the NTA for the Travel Assistance Scheme which is run by Dublin Bus. Under the scheme an assistant can accompany people who need help using public transport and to plan a journey on Dublin Bus, Luas and the DART.
My Department also provides funding to a number of non-governmental bodies in the area of sport for persons with disabilities, along with funding Local Sports Partnerships to employ Sports Inclusion Disability Officers.
