Transport and Disability
In 2004 the NDA published “Towards best practice in the provision of transport services for people with disabilities in Ireland”. This report contributes to our strategic aims by providing much needed baseline evidence on the quantum and range of service provision in Ireland for people with disabilities and a review of international practice in the field against which to measure Ireland’s strengths and weaknesses in the sector.
There is an ongoing commitment to provide “Transport for all” in current policy. The National Development Plan contains a number of commitments regarding investment in transport infrastructure and facilities. Specifically all new and upgraded rail and bus stations, all light rail vehicles and suburban railcars and all buses financed under the NDP must be accessible to people with mobility and sensory impairments.
Air Passengers with Disabilities
EU rules on rights for air passengers with disabilities came into effect on 26th July 2008. For further information contact the European Consumer Centre, (01) 809 0600 or info@eccireland.ie. Follow this link to a video on the rules.
The Transport Guidelines Project
In 2004, to assist and support the Department of Transport in achieving a high level of public transport accessibility, the National Disability Authority (NDA) undertook to develop and recommend draft transport guidelines for improving access to bus, rail and light rail services for people with disabilities in Ireland.
Following a process of national consultation with all of the key stakeholders, the guidelines document “Recommended Accessibility Guidelines for Public Transport Operators” was produced.