Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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463. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the annual cost of maintaining wheelchair access in train stations and other public transport infrastructure, in particular with respect to elevators; and to comment on the estimated cost of ensuring that all out of order lifts are fully repaired on the day that they are reported. [47491/25]

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.

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 operational issues.

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.

In relation to your question about the annual cost of maintaining wheelchair access in train stations, in light of Irish Rail's responsibility for access to trains for wheelchair users, I have forwarded that part of your question to the company for direct reply to you. In relation to other public transport infrastructure, I have forwarded that part to the NTA. Please advise my private office if you do not receive responses within ten working days.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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464. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the estimated cost of creating an on-demand, free service for all individuals with impaired mobility and who cannot access scheduled public transport. [47492/25]