Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to raise this very important issue, that is, the need for accessibility ramps to be provided on all DART trains. The current position in respect of wheelchair accessibility on trains is that a portable wheelchair ramp is located at each station. The problem with these ramps is that a member of staff must be present to ensure the ramp is safely deployed. Therefore, the customer is required to provide advance notice of at least 24 hours that he or she intends to travel.

The current policy is completely outdated and action needs to be taken to ensure the DART is more accessible to those customers who have mobility problems. I am concerned that people of reduced mobility have to give 24 hours notice at any time they wish to use the DART. I do not think this is fair and it means many people have to plan their journeys ahead and cannot jump on the DART at a minute's notice if their plans have changed. It is a form of discrimination.

As a developed country it is shocking that this out-dated system is still in use. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, has assured me that Irish Rail is currently investigating the feasibility of retrofitting electronic ramps on the DART fleet. I am aware of the budget constraints in Irish Rail at this time but it is my opinion that there should be at least one wheelchair accessible carriage with an electronic ramp provided on each DART service. The accessible carriage could be located at the back of each train so customers in need know the ramp is available. I am happy that the Minister is aware of the current problems in this area. It is important that Irish Rail examines the matter thoroughly to ascertain what action can be taken to make it easier for people to access existing trains if funding is not available for new trains to be purchased with built-in electronic ramps. The possibility of retrofitting electronic ramps to existing trains needs to be seriously considered and, if feasible, put in place as soon as possible.

I take this opportunity to ask the Minister of State for an update on Irish Rail's efforts to resolve the problem of overcrowded DART trains at peak times. A number of constituents have reported to me that they remain unsatisfied with the service being provided, especially given the increased prices for DART services currently and cuts to carriage size and no improvements made in terms of the frequency of the trains provided. Action needs to be taken in this area. I would appreciate if the Minister of State could give an up-date on developments in this area and also what action Irish Rail is taking to improve communication with its customers in regard to delays. Recently a constituent of mine who was travelling to work experienced a delay due to a signal failure on the southside. The train left Connolly Station and proceeded to the bridge at the back of Store Street where it stood for more than ten minutes. Quite rightly, customers were upset. Such delays cause much unnecessary anxiety, particularly when there is a lack of communication as to what is happening with the train. Perhaps the Minister of State would respond to that issue and provide information as to whether he is in regular contact with Irish Rail on these issues.

I am delighted the Minister has considered the whole issue of reduced fares for off-peak travel times and that he has been in consultation on the issue. I acknowledge that the National Transport Authority is considering the issue currently.

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