Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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327. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for accessibility works to bus stations here. [12498/17]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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328. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for accessibility works to railway stations here. [12499/17]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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329. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for the construction of wheelchair accessible bus stops as required here. [12500/17]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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330. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for the replacement of non-wheelchair accessible vehicles for Bus Éireann. [12501/17]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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331. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for accessibility works to the train fleet. [12502/17]

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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332. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the costings for the conversion of the taxi and hackney fleet to a fully wheelchair accessible fleet. [12503/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 327 to 332, inclusive, together.

Accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage and new systems such as the Luas are fully accessible. In addition, 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets are wheelchair accessible, as well as 80% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet.

With regard to existing infrastructure, there is an ongoing programme to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to help improve transport accessibility across the country.  The programme is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of my Department.  The bulk of this funding has been provided for the upgrading of Iarnród Éireann rail stations to make them accessible and to enable wheelchair users to travel on Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann buses.

In 2017 under the Accessibility Grants Programme, funding is being provided to the NTA for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations; for accessible bus stops and bus stations; and for a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme. Funding is also provided via the NTA for the Travel Assistance Scheme which is run by Dublin Bus. Under the scheme an assistant can accompany people who need help using public transport and to plan a journey on Dublin Bus, Luas and the DART.

In light of the NTA's responsibility for the administration of the accessibility grants programme, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply in relation to the costings requested.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.