Michael Woods
Ceist:25 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on the proposal by the Centre for Independent Living that all new buses that come into service from now on be accessible. [12204/95]
Written Answers. - Accessibility of Public Transport.
Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:26 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the progress, if any, made to date by the Inter-Departmental Transport Accessibility Committee; if he will give a schedule for the introduction of the promised wheelchair accessible minibus service; the plans, if any, he has for the expansion of this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14674/95]
Mary Harney
Ceist:29 Miss Harney asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications his views on whether a significant section of the population is excluded from the opportunity to participate equally in mainstream economic and social life due to persistent lack of accessible public transport in Ireland for the mobility impaired; the measures, if any, he proposes introducing to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14712/95]
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 25, 26 and 29 together.
Improving the accessibility of the public transport system is generally regarded as one of the means whereby people with mobility handicaps may be assisted in their efforts to achieve a higher degree of participation in economic and social activities. In recent years, Ireland, in common with other countries worldwide, has been faced with the challenge of adapting its transport system in response to the requirements of people with disabilities.
The implementation of accessibility improvements in transport infrastructure and services is essentially a matter for transport operators and others directly involved in the transport chain. In order to facilitate progress in this country, an Interdepartmental Transport Accessibility Committee, chaired by my Department, has been in existence since 1988. The committee pursues a policy of seeking to secure such improvements in accessibility to all modes of public transport as can be implemented within the resources available to transport providers and other relevant bodies, including the companies within the CIE Group, who participate fully in the committee's work. The implementation of this policy has led to considerable improvements in public transport access facilities for people with mobility handicaps.
In so far as rail services are concerned, it is now 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 Dublin-Belfast 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. All major railway terminals and the majority of mainline and DART stations are wheelchair-accessible and it is company policy that all new stations and any major refurbishment of existing stations should make provision for the disabled. In addition, particular attention is being given to the needs of people with mobility handicaps in the design of the proposed light rail system for Dublin.
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, a UK statutory body which advises on the needs and requirements of the mobility impaired. Bus Éireann has also acquired over 160 improved coaches for its 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. Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann are monitoring technological and operational developments associated with wheelchair-accessible buses and I have requested both companies to accord high priority to affordable accessibility improvements in their fleet replacement programmes.
Meanwhile, Bus Átha Cliath, on behalf of the Interdepartmental Committee, has acquired a number of wheelchair-accessible minibuses to operate a service for the general public — the Omnilink service — on a pilot basis. The project was undertaken on the understanding that it would attract a grant of £592,000 under the EU Horizon Programme, representing a contribution to the capital and operating costs of the scheme over a two-year period. In the event, total EU funding made available was limited to approximately £210,000, relating almost entirely to the capital element only. In view of the shortfall in the EU contribution, it was necessary to reappraise the project. As a result, instead of the Clontarf-Finglas service (Route 103) originally proposed, a city centre service (Route 222) linking the O'Connell Street and St. Stephen's Green areas to the accessible DART system at Tara Street Station was introduced on 28 May last. All aspects of the pilot scheme are being reviewed by the committee.