Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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327. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of accessibility issues at Fota railway station in Cork, in particular regarding the necessity to use a footbridge with stairs to access platform 2; the impact that this has on access to Fota Wildlife Park and other amenities on the island; if Irish Rail intends to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26055/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

From a policy perspective, I wish to advise the Deputy that the Department of An Taoiseach has established a unit within its Department which will focus on disability, reflecting a commitment in the Programme for Government to a step change in supports and services required by disabled people. In my role as Minister for Transport, I will be engaging with that unit with an emphasis on addressing the wider issues such as ensuring that all public transport operators provide safe and accessible access for all passengers.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated, accessible public transport networks and infrastructure. The NTA works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Irish Rail, who has responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.

In light of Irish Rail's responsibilities for train stations, including Fota station, I have forwarded your question to the company for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.