Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
157. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lift at Howth Junction and Donaghmede railway station which allows access for persons with limited mobility is out of order; the steps he is taking to address this and prevent this happening again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42845/21]
View answer158. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lift at Clontarf Road railway station which allows access for persons with limited mobility is out of order; the steps he is taking to address this and prevent this happening again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42846/21]
View answer165. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that lifts at Irish Rail stations are operational given that there has been a number of instances of lifts being non-operational for weeks at a time, denying access to persons with limited mobility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42896/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157, 158 and 165 together.
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
Irish Rail has developed a 5-year programme, involving upgrades, renewals and improved maintenance strategies for its lifts and escalators which will provide direct benefits to customers through improved reliability and availability of lifts and escalator assets. Subject to funding, lifts in 52 stations across the rail network are earmarked for investment up to 2024. The intent of this programme is to renew and replace life-expired lifts and lifts in poor condition, to ensure the reliability and availability of lift access.
In 2020 the National Transport Authority (NTA) established a rail lift refurbishment/replacement programme, under the Capital Programme, with a €3.3m ring fenced allocation. A major part of the programme in 2020 was the upgrading of lifts at 12 stations in the Dublin Suburban area. For 2021, €3.84m was originally ring-fenced by the NTA from the Capital Programme to the Lift and Escalator Renewal Programme. An additional €2m was allocated to the Programme in November 2020, as part of Budget 2021, bringing the total allocated to the Lifts and Escalator Renewal Programme to €5.84m this year. The additional allocation will enable the acceleration of the delivery of the 5-year programme.
I have also referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail for direct reply in relation to the specific stations mentioned. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 157.
