Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
689 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the transport services that are in place for citizens with a disability in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21839/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraSome 35 Rural Community Transport Groups are currently being funded under my Department's Rural Transport Programme (RTP) to address social exclusion in their rural areas arising from lack of access to public transport. Older people and people with disabilities form the core customer base of the RTP which is operating in every county. According to 2010 performance monitoring figures, approximately 81% of services were defined as either fully (45%) or partially accessible(36%). In addition, many RTP services have passenger assistants on board their vehicles.
In line with a recent Government decision, I announced plans on 28 February to achieve greater levels of transport integration and co-ordinated delivery across a range of exchequer funded local and rural transport services incorporating the RTP, HSE non-acute transport, school transport and voluntary transport services. The National Transport Authority, which has been allocated responsibility for the RTP will, in conjunction with a national committee made up of key stakeholders, develop proposals for future integration based on a series of pilots which will trial how services in rural areas can be further enhanced and optimised while achieving necessary efficiencies. Accessibility will remain a core criterion in the further development of RTP. Public Transport accessibility is being progressed under the umbrella of Transport Access for All, which is my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. The RTP has a key role in that regard. The plan is under review. It is hoped to publish an updated plan later this year.
