Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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751. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the budget for retrofitting existing DART trains; the retrofitting jobs that are being carried out on current DART stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9587/14]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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753. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when it is expected to order new DART rolling stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9591/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 751 and 753 together.

Following representations from my Department, Iarnrod Eireann undertook a feasibility study into the installation of automatic wheelchair ramps to the existing fleet. I understand that the study concluded that retrofitting is technically very challenging and would involve considerable structural alteration to the trains design and that the best approach would be to incorporate ramps into trains at design stage of new rolling stock.

The future procurement of new DART rolling stock will therefore include provision for automatic wheelchair ramps.

In the light of the Iarnród Eireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a direct response.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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752. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the protocol that is currently in place between Irish Rail and the Central Remedial Clinic in Clontarf regarding accessibility for wheelchairs users at Killester DART station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9590/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Following representations from my Department, I understand from Iarnród Eireann that as part of its regular meetings with accessibility user groups, it also had discussions with representatives of the Central Remedial Clinic regarding the use of Killester Station by wheelchair users. I am informed that there is now an agreed protocol in place to assist wheelchair users at Killester Station.

Noting Iarnród Eireann's responsibility in the matter I have referred the Deputy's question to it for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.