Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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157. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on actions being taken to improve accessibility at train stations (details supplied), in view of recurring lift outages that continue to affect wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments; and if his Department can give a commitment that accessibility will be a top priority, particularly for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34182/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, 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 provision of accessible, affordable and available public transport services for everyone, including disabled people, is a priority for my Department. I want to ensure that all public transport operators provide accessible and inclusive services for every passenger. I was pleased to attend the recent announcement by Irish Rail of the reduction in the period of advance notice to one hour at the 15 major train stations.

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.

As issues relating to the lifts in Clontarf Road and Clongriffin train stations are an operational matters for Irish Rail, 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.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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158. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will meet with the NTA and Iarnród Éireann to discuss introducing a quieter carriage on all intercity rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34070/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

I can assure you that my Department is committed to providing investment in our public transport network and that I am supportive of the Government's goals in delivering an accessible, affordable and reliable public transport network throughout the country.

The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA). Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to Irish Rail and the NTA for direct response.

Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.