Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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344. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage of Bus Éireann coaches that are wheelchair accessible; the amount of funding provided for the programme of accessibility improvement grants to upgrade existing public transport infrastructure and facilities; the way this is progressing; the estimated cost of making all public transport wheelchair accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12579/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Bus Éireann city fleet is 100% accessible and approximately 80% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet is wheelchair accessible; this figure will increase as older vehicles are replaced. 

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.  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 programme, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply in relation to the estimated cost of making all public transport wheelchair accessible.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.