Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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122. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures his Department is taking to ensure that disabled passengers in rural areas, such as Mayo, are provided with equitable access to transport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63482/25]

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 met with members of the disability sector on 29 September 2025 for a constructive dialogue around our shared ambition to ensure 100% transport accessibility in Ireland. The Government launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People on 3rd September 2025. In line with the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the strategy puts great importance on engagement with disabled people. Pillar 5 of the strategy, 'Transport and Mobility' contains a number of transport priority actions. I really welcomed the opportunity to hear views on transport accessibility and the new strategy’s actions. It was a valuable and rewarding exchange with Disabled Person Organisations, service providers, Disability User Groups, and board representatives from transport operators.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, 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, who have responsibility for day to day operational issues, to progressively make public transport more accessible.

In light of the NTA's responsibilities for accessible public transport, including in county Mayo, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.