Louth Fianna Fáil Senator and Spokesperson for Disability, Erin McGreehan, has said that much more needs to be done to tackle the problems and dangers associated with inaccessible transport and infrastructure.
She has also called for a national review of laws governing public ransportation infrastructure to outline mandatory accessibility regulations for people with disabilities.
Senator McGreehan made the comments following a meeting between members of the Oireachtas and the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) coinciding with the launch of their “Getting Nowhere” report.
In the report the IWA says: “Accessibility in Ireland’s public transport infrastructure is not just about gaining access to the physical environment, it is about people with disabilities being able to realise their right to live life to its full potential with equity and independence.
“IWA members and the broader disability community have continuously reported on the inaccessibility of Irish public transport. Inaccessible transport presents a real obstacle for autonomy and personal development. The issues we see in public transport infrastructure are not isolated. They are a symptom of a larger issue which poses a danger to people with disabilities every day.
“Inaccessible transport infrastructure results in exclusion, isolation, and discrimination. It is imperative that the needs of people with disabilities are considered to ensure that changes to infrastructure and services are beneficial to all. This is not happening today.
The “Getting Nowhere” report seeks to address inaccessible public transport infrastructure by highlighting the overarching issues identified, providing context and explanation of each issue area, and articulating what is the necessary solution to delivering a public transport infrastructure that can be fit for purpose for all.
Senator McGreehan said the report is stark and is important reading for us all. “It found that over half of respondents reported difficulties accessing public transport. Currently, Ireland has no mandatory requirements for disability access to public transport infrastructure. This is something that has to change.
“It also outlined that Ireland is failing to deliver on its 2018 commitments to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), having only delivered on one of four of the necessary steps to ensure accessibility outlined by the convention.
“I will continue to work with the IWA on the next steps in terms of progressing policies, planning and design guidelines and calling for a review of laws underpinning Ireland’s public transport infrastructure projects. We need to implement requirements regarding disability access in public transport infrastructure that meet international standards.
“We must comply with the UNCPRD. Crucial to this is conducting a national review of the gaps in the laws and policies governing public transportation infrastructure. The review must outline mandatory accessibility regulations to be negotiated by people with disabilities and include monitoring mechanisms to ensure enforcement and sanctions and fines for noncompliance.”
