Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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632. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the fact that while over 60% of Bus Éireann coaches, over 200 vehicles, are now wheelchair accessible, it is virtually impossible for wheelchair users to access the coach services in rural Ireland due to a lack of accessible bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19107/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing or providing public transport infrastructure including bus stops, bus shelters, bus stations and bus stands.

Measures to provide for full accessibility is built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage are fully accessible. In this regard my Department provides funding to the NTA for a rolling programme of bus replacement and refurbishment of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann PSO fleets both in the Greater Dublin Area and nationally.  

This has enabled 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets to be wheelchair accessible, as well as approximately 65% of Bus Éireann coaches (which are wheelchair accessible by lift) and this will increase as the coach fleet is replaced.

My Department also funds an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. This includes funding for accessible bus stops & bus stations.  I understand that during 2016 the NTA will begin the installation of wheelchair accessible bus stops across the Bus Éireann network and that this will be done on a route-by-route basis.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.