281. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport his views regarding the new DART carriages that are coming on stream; whether they are fully wheelchair accessible without the need for a separate ramp to be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65184/26]

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 specific details of the new DART+ carriages, this is a matter for the NTA and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if the Deputy does not receive a response within 10 working days.

Pending this more detailed response, I note that the new DART+ carriages represent a major step forward in terms of user accessibility. In particular, regarding wheelchair accessibility, the new fleet will offer enhanced accessibility 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.