Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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217. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding streams that are available to invest in infrastructure to improve access for persons with physical disabilities and mobility impairments to offshore islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18127/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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While it is not under the remit of the Department of Transport, it is an objective of this Government to provide the necessary supports for our off-shore islands so that those communities can continue to live, and thrive, on the islands. The Department of Rural and Community Development manages a large suite of transport contracts that provide reliable and affordable mainland connectivity for island residents and visitors.

The development of quayside infrastructure, on the mainland and the islands, to cater for transport services users, including those of reduced mobility, falls under the remit of the local authorities. They are responsible for installing slipways, pontoons and quayside structures so that users can board and alight from passenger boats in a safe and dignified manner.

The Department of Rural and Community Development provides funding for these types of developments and recently increased the allocation for Capital works on the islands from €2.64m in 2021, to €4.64m for 2022.

This increase will enable the Minister of Rural and Community Development to approve an expanded works programme this year, which will include the annual programme for Minor Capital Works on the offshore islands, co-funded by the relevant Local Authorities.

The Department of Rural and Community Development is very aware of the challenges facing those of reduced mobility when using our subsidised transport services, and is currently engaging with service providers to explore options so that all users of these services can board and alight from a ferry safely with ease.