Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
177. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will set out the mandatory accessibility requirements and/or the provisions set in statute in respect of accessibility standards for public transport and public infrastructure projects, to include the planning, design and construction of cycle lanes, bus islands, pedestrian cross walks, pedestrian footpaths and pedestrian shared spaces. [28887/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to Roads, Active Travel and Public Transport infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) along with the relevant local authorities are responsible for the development and delivery of individual projects.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the NTA has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. The NTA works with public transport operators and other agencies, for example local authorities, to progressively make public transport accessible.
In addition to the above, a National Guidelines and Standards Group has been established within my Department to oversee and coordinate all guidelines and standards (including accessibility, cycling and other Active Travel projects) which have been developed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the NTA and Department of Transport. This group comprises of members from each of these bodies as well as the City and County Management Association (CCMA). It also covers the areas of quality control, training and implementation monitoring. Progress to date includes:
• Circulars setting out a framework for guidelines and standards, as well as improved quality control measures;
• Co-ordination of Guidelines and Standards between the my Department and agencies;
• Updates to DMURS Guidelines and supporting training on these guidelines, including online workshops and graduate programmes.
In support of the quality of infrastructure, there is much work underway in terms of core standards to support this. All new road or Active Travel infrastructure funded by my Department must be designed in compliance with approved guidelines and standards set out.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport accessibility , including infrastructure projects and standards, 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.
