Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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449. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the purpose of the new accessibility application that will be provided for users of public transport; and the services they will be able to access through same. [51831/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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While all new trains and new train stations are accessible from the design stage, many of the older stations on the rail network date from the 19^thcentury and were not accessible for people with disabilities. Under the Accessibility Retro-fit programme, these stations are progressively being made accessible.

As part of this work, I provided additional funding in September of this year for the development a new accessibility app to address some of the key communication breakdowns that occur when providing assistance to persons with disabilities travelling on the Irish Rail network. The technology will allow people to pre-book a journey that confirms they will have Operative assistance at their departure and arrival stations, and provide them with support in an emergency.

Earlier this month I announced that further funding is being provided for the second phase of this project. Irish Rail intends to roll out the Accessibility App initially on DART services and then onto commuter services.

Irish Rail are currently looking for volunteers who have mobility and vision impairments and who are regular DART users, to become part of a research panel which will include live testing of a prototype of the app. Details can be found at or by contacting by calling or by emailing

I would encourage those who would benefit from this technology to volunteer for the research panel so that they can provide the necessary feedback and input to ensure the app meets their needs.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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450. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the percentage and number of public bus stops that are wheelchair accessible by county. [51832/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.  The NTA has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure including the provision of wheelchair accessible bus stops. 

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.