Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
410 Mr. English asked the Minister for Transport the nature of the provisions in the sectoral plan for the Disability Bill 2004 order to make Bus Éireann vehicles more physically accessible for persons with disabilities. [20638/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's sectoral plan in its current form is a draft consultation document that is likely to be significantly amended before it is finalised. However, it does contain major commitments with regard to the accessibility of Bus Éireann vehicles for people with mobility and sensory impairments. I am happy to inform the Deputy that practically the entire urban bus fleets of Bus Éireann in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford are comprised of low floor, fully accessible vehicles. The only exceptions are a small number of older vehicles in Cork, which are not part of the regular bus fleet. Under the sectoral plan the company will continue to purchase only fully accessible vehicles for its urban services.
The sectoral plan notes that in recent years Bus Éireann has begun introducing low floor wheelchair accessible buses on a trial basis on some commuter routes previously served by inaccessible vehicles. It is hoped to note further progress in this area when the plan is being finalised. At present the inter-urban services provided by Bus Éireann are inaccessible for people in wheelchairs. This is because, to date, the company has not been able to source suitable accessible vehicles. This problem is not unique to Bus Éireann and European-wide efforts are under way to address the issue. In that regard, Bus Éireann is participating in an EU research study into the scope for developing accessible coaches and long distance buses.
The sectoral plan states that Bus Éireann will begin the process of replacing its inter-urban fleet with wheelchair accessible vehicles as soon as suitable vehicles become available. I am engaging with the public transport accessibility committee, which operates under the aegis of my Department, to ensure that the members of the committee are fully consulted with regard to the contents of the sectoral plan.
