Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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224. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to provide disabled persons with a more accessible public transportation system through the allocation of funds to establish a nationwide network of accessible Bus Éireann coaches and coach stops; to upgrade unmanned train stations; and to expand the amount of accessible taxis from 5% to 15%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28832/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Accessibility improvements to public transport services are being advanced in the context of my Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, Transport Access for All.

The Sectoral plan is premised on the principle that through accessibility improvements to the public transport system for people with disabilities, access for all people will be improved. This is being done as extensively as possible having regard to the availability of resources. 

Measures to provide for full accessibility is built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and newer systems such as the Luas are fully accessible.

My Department provides funding to the National Transport Authority (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 80% of Bus Éireann coaches (which are wheelchair accessible by lift) and this will increase as the coach fleet is replaced.

Funding is also provided to the NTA to manage an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. This includes funding in 2016 for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations, for accessible bus stops & bus stations and for a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme.

Work to expand accessibility of existing coach services is on-going. During 2016 the NTA has begun the installation of wheelchair accessible bus stops across the Bus Éireann route network. The long-term objective is to install a wheelchair accessible bus stop in every town in the State. The NTA is rolling this out on a route-by-route basis starting this year with Bus Éireann routes 30 (Dublin-Donegal) and 32 (Dublin-Letterkenny).

Noting their 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 don't receive a reply within 10 working days.