Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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550. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the rolling out of disability access bus stops particularly in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50168/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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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 Accessibility Grants 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. 

Funding is being provided to the NTA in 2017 for accessibility upgrade works at a number of rail stations, for a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme (WAV Scheme) and for accessible bus stops and bus stations.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply regarding accessibility on the public transport network.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.