Munster demands access for disabled be enshrined in law
Louth TD Imelda Munster TD has called for full accessibility for disabled passengers on public transport be enshrined in legislation.
Speaking during Minister’s question time in the Dail last week, Deputy Munster asked Minister Shane Ross if he was in favour of enshrining a policy of full accessibilitya on public transport for wheelchair users in legislation.
The Louth TD said: ‘If we all agree that people with disabilities or mobility problems are entitled to travel freely in the same way that anyone else is, I think it is important that we consider the introduction of statutory measures that will make transport providers and government accountable.’
She added: ‘ Twelve years after the introduction of the Disability Act was introduced, people are still struggling to access public transport because they use wheelchairs or have other mobility challenges. Clearly, further action is required to quickly improve services for people with disabilities.’
‘In rural areas, public transport is already poor, but it is even worse for those who cannot board coaches in their locality. Train users have to inform Iarnród Éireann that they intend to travel 24 hours in advance. I welcome the incoming pilot project on DART services to reduce this notice period to four hours, however at the same time Iarnród Éireann is introducing even more unstaffed stations.
‘ The government says that it recognises that people with disabilities are less likely to be able to work and therefore are at a high risk of poverty. One obvious barrier to work is being unable to access accessible public transport. If the government’s National Disability Inclusion Strategy is to be successful, we need cooperation from all relevant departments.’