Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2016
585. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress he has made and the plans to be realised in making public transport, in particular outside urban areas, more accessible to persons with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5159/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for the development of a rolling programme of bus replacement and refurbishment of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann PSO fleets both in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) and nationally. Wheelchair Accessibility is built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and new systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. In addition, 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Sligo are wheelchair accessible, as well as 70% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet.
My Department also funds an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. The bulk of this funding has been provided for the upgrading of Iarnród Éireann rail stations to make them accessible, and to enable wheelchair users to travel on Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann buses. This programme is being managed by the NTA on behalf of my Department. In the region of €75 million has been paid under the programme since 2006.
In 2016 under the Accessibility Grants Programme, funding is being provided to the NTA for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations, for accessible bus stops & bus stations and for a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
