Michael Healy-Rae
Question:64. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43778/23]
View answerTuesday, 10 October 2023
Questions (64)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to 'open' public transport services including in rural areas.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for developing an accessible, integrated and sustainable public transport network.
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), my Department and its agencies, including the NTA, are working to progressively make public transport accessible for all, including in rural areas.
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.
In addition, one of the key plans for enhancing the existing transport network across Ireland is under my Department and the NTA's Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which aims to develop an integrated, accessible, and sustainable network of public transport offerings across Ireland. Phase 1 was rolled out during 2022 with 38 new and enhanced services nationwide with 67 services planned for 2023.
However, as I advised the Deputy in my reply to Question (PQRef:40821/23, Dáil Question no. 133) on 21 September 2023, my remit, and that of the NTA, relates to public transport services which are ‘open’ to all. Funding for individualised ‘closed’ transport and mobility services, for example dedicated disability transport services provided by the Group referred to by the Deputy, are outside of my public transport remit.