Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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619. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the rail stations at which wheelchair users can independently access train services; the rail stations at which wheelchair users are required to give advance notice in order to access the train service; the number in each of the cases of hours that the station is unmanned; his plans to upgrade stations in order that rail services are fully accessible by wheelchair users without having to give advance notice; his estimate of the cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39738/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Accessibility is a fundamental consideration when developing the public transport network.  Accessibility features are built into all new infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and newer systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. With regard to existing infrastructure, my Department funds an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities. This programme is being managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department.

I understand that at present at least 84 out of the 143 railway stations on the Iarnród Éireann network have received accessibility upgrades or were constructed new to accessibility standards. Accessibility upgrades are planned for several stations in 2017 and recently construction works commenced at Rathdrum, Mullingar and Leixlip Louisa Bridge stations. Some lightly used stations may not be fully upgraded and instead, passengers with mobility impairments within the catchment area of these stations will continue to be facilitated by Iarnród Éireann through the provision of a taxi or hackney to the nearest accessible station; this is arranged at a local level.

Details regarding rail stations at which wheelchair users can access train services, the amount of advance notice required to access the train service and the hours during which certain stations are unmanned are operational matters for Iarnród Éireann. Future plans and allocation of funding for upgrade to rail stations are matters for the NTA who, as mentioned above, administer the accessibility grants programme.

I have therefore forwarded the Deputy's question to both Iarnród Éireann and the NTA for direct reply in relation to the matters raised within their respective spheres of of responsibility. Please advise my private office if you do not receive replies within ten working days.