Transport, Tourism & Sport Committee to focus on accessibility of public transport

The agenda for the meeting is:

Accessibility of Public Transport for people with disabilities [Senator John Dolan, Chief Executive Officer, National Disability Federation; Ms. Joan Carthy, Head of Advocacy, Irish Wheelchair Association; Mr. Eddie Redmond, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Deaf Society; Mr. Chris White, Chief Executive Officer, National Council for the Blind; Mr Paddy Connelly, Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Ireland; Dr. Margaret Kennedy, Disability Activist]

Committee Chair, Deputy O’Dowd said: “Many people with disabilities depend on public transport to live and commute independently. The availability of, and access to, public transport is essential for many people with disabilities to play a full and active part in society, engage with their communities, access services and work.  The quality and frequency of accessible public transport can have a big effect on people’s lives. Tomorrow we will meet with a number of groups working and campaigning for disability rights to get their perspectives on accessibility of public transport for people with disabilities. It is an opportunity to hear about their experiences dealing with our public transport system, the challenges they face and discuss the measures that need to be implemented to ensure there is an accessible public transport system to meet the needs of people with disabilities.”

The Committee will meet at 1.30pm, tomorrow, Wednesday, 13 December 2017 in Committee Room 2, Leinster House. Committee proceedings can be viewed live here.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.