Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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302. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress made by the National Transport Authority in establishing a formal engagement process with key disability representative groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32106/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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304. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a version of Dublin Bus's free travel assistance scheme for customers over 18 years of age with a disability in all counties annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32108/21]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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308. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to ensure that all public transport services offer functioning, correct audible announcements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32112/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 302, 304 and 308 together.

As Minister for Transport 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.

The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.

Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead, Irish Rail and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) each have an Access Officer and a Disability User Group. The Disability User Groups provide a forum for operators to consult and update disability organisations on accessibility proposals and developments, and for disability organisations to raise operational and other accessibility issues.

The Travel Assistance Scheme is funded by the NTA and managed on its behalf by Dublin Bus.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities, including in relation to the Travel Assistance Scheme and public transport communication systems, I have forwarded your questions to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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303. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the disability representative groups involved in the planning and procurement process for transport and infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32107/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department's Mission as outlined in its Statement of Strategy 2021 - 2023 is to "To deliver an accessible, efficient, safe and sustainable transport system that supports communities, households and businesses", My Department and I are committed to the delivery of the Goals outlined in the Statement of Strategy including "Putting safety, security and accessibility for all at the centre of our transport policies"

In relation to public transport infrastructure and services, 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 advised that the NTA plans to set up a Transport User Advisory Group in 2021. This will involve all the various groups who avail of the services provided by the NTA. It will include users of various modes of public transport, including, amongst others, people with disabilities, older people, Taxi, Local authority, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The planning and procurement of Greenways is carried out by local authorities and State Agencies on behalf of my Department. All local authorities and State Agencies have been circulated with “The Great Outdoors” to guide their planning and design process and my Department in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development is examining the potential for organising a training session for local authorities to encompass Universal Design.

With regard to disability representative groups for other transport modes, I have referred your question to the agencies under the aegis of my Department for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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305. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he is taking to increase the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32109/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government contains commitments to support the greening of the SPSV fleet and to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. To this end my Department funds two vehicle purchase schemes administered by the National Transport Authority; the eSPSV Grant Scheme to support the purchase of electric vehicles, and the WAV Grant Scheme to support the purchase of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. A vehicle which is both fully electric and wheelchair accessible can avail of grant support from both schemes to a combined maximum of €32,500 per vehicle. This substantial level of support recognises both the higher costs of such vehicles and their necessity in meeting the needs of passengers who require wheelchair accessible vehicles

SPSV operators are encouraged to consider the grant assistance available when making a vehicle purchase. The schemes aim to incentivise drivers to choose vehicles which are fully electric, wheelchair-accessible, or both. There is no grant assistance available to drivers planning to purchase a non-wheelchair accessible internal combustion powered SPSVs.