Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
772. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has plans to improve the accessibility of the ferry service to the Aran Islands for passengers with disabilities and in particular for passengers who use wheelchairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58318/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Local Authorities are the responsible bodies for developing and maintaining pier infrastructures on the mainland and on the offshore islands.
In the case of the Aran Islands, Galway County Council are ultimately responsible for developing the piers to improve accessibility for ferry passengers with disabilities. In the recent past the Council installed pontoons at the mainland harbour at Ros a’ Mhíl, which has greatly improved accessibility for all, particularly for those passengers that are wheelchair users.
My Department does, however, address the issue of accessibility when tendering for the service. Tenderers must consider and make suitable arrangements for passengers with disabilities, including passengers of reduced mobility, to and from the vessel. In doing so, the Guidelines for Accessible Maritime Passenger Transport which have been issued by the Department of Transport and the National Disability Authority should be taken into account and complied with, as appropriate.
As technologies evolve and better quality vessels with better and more inclusive accessibility solutions become mainstream, the Department will review and amend its Request for Tender documents to encourage potential operators to upgrade their fleet of vessels so that wheelchair users and passengers of reduced mobility can expect a higher quality of service as they travel to and from the Aran Islands.
