Vol. 524 No. 5
192 Ms Coughlan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the proposals she has to ensure that those who are disabled and living in rural areas will have access to public transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23048/00]
It is my policy that all transport operators, and in particular the State transport companies, should provide the highest possible degree of accessibility to disabled or mobility impaired people within the overall resources available to them.
Up to now wheelchair accessible buses have been acquired exclusively for urban services. However, I am happy to say that Bus Éireann has placed an order for twenty low floor wheelchair accessible buses which they propose to use on rural services. These buses are due to be delivered by the end of this year and they will be tested on a number of rural routes throughout the country. I understand that the performance of the vehicles will be evaluated, particularly in relation to their operation over what may be difficult operating terrain and conditions for low floor buses.
There is a provision in the national development plan of £3.5 million for the development of pilot public transport initiatives in rural areas. The aim will be to encourage local or community-based initiatives to provide bus services in these areas. The projects to be funded will be selected following a national call for proposals.
The criteria under which proposals may be considered will be elaborated on in a discussion document which it is intended to publish before the end of this year. The question of accessibility to transport for mobility impaired and disabled people will be taken into account in the preparation of these criteria.
