Disability Matters Committee to discuss accessibility in planning and delivery of transport projects

The meeting at 12:30 pm in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House will hear from:

• National Transport Authority (NTA), Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer and Hugh Creegan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer
• Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Peter Walsh, Chief Executive Officer and Sarah O'Donnell, Access Officer

In advance of the meeting Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Michael Moynihan said: “The Committee look forward to hearing from the NTA on the BusConnects project and the TII on the MetroLink project and how both projects will facilitate consultation and consideration for people with disabilities, at all stages of the project, to ensure that the final services are universally designed and meet the needs of those with a disability.”

The Cathaoirleach went on to say: “The Committee are aware that as underpinned by Article 9 of the UNCRPD, transport is one of the key services that help people with disabilities to participate in everyday life and to obtain employment and therefore there is a need for integrated universally designed public transport services that are accessible to everyone, especially persons with disabilities. This is most urgent as the Irish population grows and the number of people with a disability is expected to increase alongside an ageing population.”

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on the Oireachtas website.

The Joint Committee on Disability Matters has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

More information can be found on the dedicated Committee Webpage. Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.