Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
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16. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of disability groups do not support and have reservations regarding the concept of a proposed new centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48135/19]

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. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. I am aware that the NTA has already responded to the Deputy in this matter.

I am advised that the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is proposing the construction and development of a state-of-the-art, indoor, accessible transport training centre, to empower people with access needs when preparing for and during their journey using public transport. 

I understand that the primary goal of the National Transport Training Centre (NTCC) is to provide short-term comprehensive instruction, designed to teach people with disabilities how to travel safely and independently using public transportation. Training will also extend to transport agency staff and other key stakeholders. According to the NTA, the NCBI considers that such a centre has the potential to be transformative in enabling people who would not otherwise be able to become independent transport users, to gain familiarity and build their confidence in a supervised training facility.

The NTA has confirmed that following a review of the potential benefits of such a facility, it informed the NCBI in July of last year that it was willing to support the NCBI proposal and would be prepared to grant aid the delivery of a National Transport Training Centre if the training faculty was open to other groups with disabilities.  The NTA considers that the centre can perform a pivotal role in expanding the use of public transport by users with disabilities. 

The NTA has informed my Department that the NCBI have confirmed that it had been, and continues to be, their intention to make the facility available to user groups across the disability spectrum. 

I am also advised that while the NCBI has been in contact with a small number of disability groups, it intends to undertake a more comprehensive consultation process when it finalises arrangements for a potential premises.