518. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if the new battery operated trains on the northern commuter line will be fully accessible for power assisted wheelchairs and manually operated wheelchairs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57334/26]

519. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he can advise if the new battery operated trains for the northern commuter line have been tested by wheelchair users; if not, if there will be an opportunity for wheelchair users to test the accessibility of the trains prior to their deployment into use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57335/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 519 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the provision of public transport infrastructure and services within the Greater Dublin Area. In the case of the DART+ programme, the NTA fulfils this statutory remit in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann.

With regard to the Deputy's specific questions regarding wheelchair accessibility and the new DART+ Fleet, this is a matter for the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the NTA for direct, detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

Pending this more detailed response, I note 285 electric and battery-electric DART carriages have been ordered to date. These new carriages, the first of which is currently undergoing safety testing and scheduled to commence operations on the Northern line from Dublin to Drogheda next year, include features to improve accessibility, including low level flooring and entrance doors reduce the stepping height for passengers and improve access for persons with reduced mobility.

The new carriages will prioritise independent access, with each of the low-height doorway thresholds being equipped with an automatic retractable step and offering the potential for unassisted level access from suitable platforms, aligned with platform enhancements.