Michael Healy-Rae
Question:254. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37384/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (254)
Written answers
I am fully committed to strengthening public transport offerings and progressively making them accessible for all, especially for Disabled People, Persons with Disabilities, Persons with Reduced Mobility and Older People.
In line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), I am working with the agencies under my Department to progressively making public transport accessible, including in rural areas, by ensuring that
1. new infrastructure and services are accessible from the start, and
2. retrofitting older (legacy) infrastructure and facilities to make them accessible.
This requires a 'whole journey approach' which refers to all elements that constitute a journey from the starting point to destination . It also means applying the principles of Universal Design. The Department of Transport funds the ring fenced Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme, managed by the NTA, which includes programmes to install accessible bus stops in rural and regional areas, to upgrade bus bays at regional bus and train stations, to upgrade train stations to make them accessible to wheelchair users, and to increase the number of wheelchair accessible taxis, €18m has been allocated to this programme in 2023.
Similarly, lifts out of service in train stations, significantly impact disabled people, and older people who rely on properly functioning lifts to enable them to access rail services. Irish Rail is continuing its programme to refurbish and replace lifts at 52 stations across the network.
In terms of existing services, over 95% of passenger trips across the TFI Local Link network of rural transport services are accessible. Additionally, all vehicles contracted for the delivery of rural transport services must now be wheelchair accessible from the commencement date, previously there was a two year lead in period.
I acknowledge the important role that transport plays in all of our lives and I am acutely aware of the concerns in relation to making public transport accessible for all. The Department, NTA and public transport operators are committed to working together with other relevant Departments and agencies to continue making public transport accessible for all.