Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1994

Vol. 447 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

265 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether he has instituted a policy affecting all public transport bodies requiring them to ensure that all fleet replacements are accessible for persons with a disability; and if he has a programme to gradually overcome existing inaccessible facilities. [3236/94]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

My policy in relation to securing improved access to public transport for people with mobility handicaps, including those with disabilities, is embodied in the work of the Inter-Departmental Transport Accessibility Committee. This committee comprises representatives of the Departments of Health and Equality and Law Reform, the National Rehabilitation Board, Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann under the chairmanship of my Department. Its objective is to secure such improvements in accessibility to all modes of public transport as can be implemented within the resources available to public transport providers and other relevant bodies. The Committee has prepared and continues to update an action programme aimed at securing a wide range of specific improvements in this area.

The issue of improved accessibility to road and rail vehicles has provided a major focus for the Committee's efforts and a number of notable advances have been recorded. It is Iarnród Éireann's policy that all new rail vehicles will be accessible to people with disabilities. DART trains are wheelchair-accessible as are the new Arrow railcars, which also have wheelchair-accessible toilets. The new carriages for the DublinBelfast service will also have this facility, while the existing Intercity trains all have at least one dedicated area for wheelchair users in the dining cars. As regards bus services, both Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann endeavour to obtain the most accessible and user-friendly vehicles available on a cost-effective basis. Both companies in replacing their urban fleets are guided by the recommended specifications of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DIPTAC), a UK statutory body which advises on the needs and requirements of the mobility impaired. Bus Éireann have also acquired 130 improved coaches for their Expressway network which include a facility whereby the front of the coach may be lowered to facilitate access.

Wheelchair users present the greatest accessibility challenge to bus operators, the main problem being the lack of affordable, operationally-proven and cost-effective wheelchair-accessible buses. In this connection, the introduction of more than 90 wheelchair-accessible taxis in the Dublin area represents a significant step towards providing a flexible, door-to-door facility corresponding to the particular needs of wheelchair users. At the same time, Bus Átha Cliath, with EU funding under the Horizon programme, hope to be in a position to begin a pilot wheelchair-accessible service operated by small-capacity low-floor vehicles between Clontarf and Finglas, beginning in January 1995. The operation of the pilot scheme will be monitored and assessed by the Inter-Departmental Committee as part of its ongoing programme to maximise the accessibility of public transport infrastructure and services.