a. Transport

The public transport system is already better for people with disabilities. Buses in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford and over half of those in Dublin are now accessible.

Nearly 800 bus stops in Dublin have been improved. LUAS can be used by everyone. New carriages will improve train services. European regulations mean that airlines have to look after the needs of passengers with disabilities.Work has started on making passenger facilities at stations, ports and airports easier places for people with disabilities to use.

But, while we're getting there, we're not there yet. Here are some of the things that will make getting around even easier.

• By 2009, practically all inter-city passenger trains will have new easy-access carriages with visual and audio announcements and accessible toilets. The first is already in use on the Dublin to Cork line,
• By 2012, all city buses will be accessible,
• By 2015, inter-city coach services and bus stops will be more accessible,
• All LUAS extensions and Metro services will be accessible,
• The standard and availability of taxis for people with disabilities will be greatly improved. Some passenger information will be in Braille,
• Fines for parking illegally in a disabled parking space have gone up to €80. The disabled parking scheme will be looked at to make sure it is working for you.

b. Out and About

By April 2007, all local authorities will have examined their footpaths, public buildings and places like playgrounds, parks and libraries, to check if they can be used by people with disabilities.

• They are now planning to make all these places accessible by 2015, starting with the busiest streets and facilities first. Local authorities will consult people with disabilities when making these plans,
• There will be a new Housing Strategy aimed at meeting the housing needs of people with disabilities,
• New apartments and offices will have to have Disability Access Certificates,
• The National Disability Authority has a new Centre of Excellence in Universal Design that will support work to achieve an environment that is accessible to everyone,
• As far as practical, castles, parks, museums and other heritage sites will be accessible by the end of 2007.

c. Communications

There are new rules setting out a timetable for Irish TV stations to subtitle a large number of their programmes. By next year, RTÉ 1, for example, will subtitle 75% of its programmes and by 2015, it will reach 100%.

Phone companies and disability groups are working with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) to make phone services better.

Within two years, all An Post-owned post offices will be accessible for people with disabilities, subject to necessary approvals.

d. Energy Use

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) aims to improve communication with customers who have disabilities and service to customers who experience interruptions in their supply.

e. Gone Fishing

The Fisheries Boards will provide more facilities for anglers with disabilities around the country.