Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 January 2026
206. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the measures being taken to ensure that public transport services and infrastructure are fully accessible for people with disabilities, including the availability of assistance, step-free access and accessible vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2669/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, the Government launched the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People (NHRSDP) on 03 September 2025. Pillar 5 of the NHRSDP, 'Transport and Mobility' contains a number of transport priority actions. I met with members of the disability sector on 29 September 2025 for a constructive dialogue on the transport actions in the NHRSDP and our shared ambition to ensure 100% transport accessibility in Ireland. I really welcomed the opportunity to hear views on transport accessibility and the NHRSDP priority transport actions, and I look forward to engaging with them under the auspices of the new strategy's reporting structures, over the course of the coming months.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the Oireachtas assigned statutory responsibility to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network and public transport infrastructure. The NTA in turn works with the relevant public transport operators, for example Dublin Bus, who have responsibility for day-to-day operational issues, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In light of the NTA's over-arching statutory responsibilities for accessible public transport, including the the availability of assistance, step-free access and accessible vehicles, 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.
