Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2021
161. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the reason information on the availability of DART lifts was not available online on the morning of 10 October 2021; the steps he is taking to ensure this information is always available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51727/21]
View answer162. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the reason the recently upgraded lift at Seapoint station was out of service on the morning of 10 October 2021; the details of all replaced or upgraded DART station lifts which have been out of service within six months of these works taking place; the steps he will take to assist Irish Rail to ensure recently upgraded or replaced lifts are fully functional at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51728/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 162 together.
I propose to answer PQs 51727/21 and PQ 51727/21 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 questions to Irish Rail for direct reply in relation to the issue of online information on lift availability and also in respect of the specific station mentioned. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
