Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
245. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if all public transport infrastructure will be required to meet accessibility standards, particularly for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3590/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. At a policy level, the National Sustainable Mobility Policy, published in 2022, contains two particularly relevant high-level goals -
• 6. Take a whole of journey approach to mobility, promoting inclusive access for all
• 7. Design infrastructure according to Universal Design Principles and the Hierarchy of Road Users model
The policy was accompanied by the publication of an action plan out to end 2025 which contained specific actions to be delivered by end 2025 in support of those high-level goals. The action plan will be reviewed in order to develop a new action plan to cover the period 2026 to 2030.
In addition to the above my Department has also been engaging with colleagues across Government in the development of a new National Disability Strategy which will be finalised and published by the relevant Minister in due course.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
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, in conjunction with the transport operators as appropriate, 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.
