Opening Statement by the CEO of NTA Anne Shaw, at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Disability Matters:
“Cathaoirleach, Committee Members, thank you for the invitation to appear before the Committee today to discuss accessibility across Ireland’s public transport system and the National Transport Authority’s work to improve transport services and infrastructure for people with disabilities.
I am joined today by Naomi Rooney, Transport Accessibility Officer, and Jeremy Ryan, Director of Public Transport Services at the NTA.”
National Transport Authority
“The NTA is a statutory non-commercial body operating under the aegis of the Department of Transport. Under its legislative remit, the Authority is responsible for the planning, development and funding of sustainable transport across Ireland, including public transport planning and investment, regulation of commercial bus services and small public service vehicles, integrated ticketing, and the management of a significant capital investment programme. The NTA is also the approving authority for major transport projects including MetroLink, BusConnects and DART+.”
Accessibility is central to our work.
“Accessibility is central to our work. Access to transport is fundamental to participation in education, employment, healthcare and community life, and our objective is to help create a transport network that enables people to travel independently, confidently and with dignity.
This commitment is supported by significant investment. Since 2022, almost €103 million has been allocated through the Department of Transport’s Accessibility Retrofit Funding Programme. These investments have delivered improvements across public transport vehicles, stations, passenger infrastructure and customer support.”
Wheelchair accessible bus stops, shelters, buses and coaches on TFI services
“Today, all buses and coaches operating on TFI services are wheelchair accessible, as are the majority of those operating on scheduled TFI Local Link services. Accessibility features across the new fleet include low-floor access, dedicated wheelchair and buggy spaces, induction loops, priority seating and enhanced passenger information systems.
Working closely with local authorities, the NTA continues to improve accessibility at bus stops and transport interchanges throughout the country. During 2025, 232 new concrete bus stop platforms were installed nationwide, while more than 50 towns now have bus stops capable of accommodating high-floor coaches equipped with wheelchair lifts. Accessibility improvements have also included seating with high-visibility armrests at 195 existing shelters and solar lighting at 924 bus shelters.”
Access improvements across the rail network
“Significant progress has also been made across the rail network. Since 2021, the NTA has funded the installation of footbridges and lifts at 13 railway stations, with a further two stations due for completion next year, allowing access for people with reduced mobility to both sides of the rail platform. Sixty-six station lifts have been renovated or replaced since 2020, and improved wayfinding and signage has been delivered across all 147 Iarnród Éireann stations. We have also supported initiatives such as the Sensory Pod pilot at Kent Station in Cork and the Quiet Coach service on the Cork-Dublin route.”
TFI Independent Travel Support Service
“The NTA continues to support independent travel through the TFI Independent Travel Support Service, which provides personalised assistance and travel training. During 2025, almost 3,500 travel assists were delivered across all five regional cities as well as in Drogheda and Dundalk, helping people build confidence and independence in using public transport.
Alongside infrastructure improvements, we recognise the importance of awareness, inclusion and customer experience. We have worked closely with disability organisations and representative groups to develop initiatives that support passengers and improve understanding across the network.”
Jam Card, “Please offer me a Seat”, and “Prepare me … As I am” support initiatives
“The JAM Card programme, delivered in partnership with the NOW Group, enables people with communication difficulties to discreetly indicate that they may require Just A Minute of time or assistance. More than 35,000 JAM Cards have now been distributed nationwide.
More recently, we launched the Ramp Release initiative, aimed at improving consistency and reliability in how wheelchair users access public transport services.
Similarly, through our partnership with Invisible Disabilities Ireland, more than 25,800 “Please Offer Me A Seat” cards and badges have been distributed to passengers with invisible disabilities and medical conditions. We have also worked with AsIAm on the “Prepare Me… As I Am… for Public Transport” resources to support autistic passengers using public transport, and with a range of disability organisations on initiatives designed to improve accessibility and awareness across the network.”
Taxi services
“Accessibility also extends beyond public transport services themselves. Through NTA grant programmes and supports, the number of wheelchair accessible taxis has increased to 4,781 vehicles, representing almost 23% of the national taxi fleet. The NTA also continues to administer the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Grant Scheme, supporting individuals and families purchasing or adapting wheelchair accessible vehicles.”
The Wayfinding Centre
“Finally, I would like to highlight the Wayfinding Centre, a unique facility that helps individuals learn how to navigate public transport, in a safe environment, to promote confidence and independent travel. The NTA was pleased to support its development and we support the valuable contribution it continues to make to accessibility and inclusion.
While significant progress has been made, we recognise that challenges remain and that accessibility is a continuous journey. We remain committed to working closely with people with disabilities, representative organisations, transport operators and Government to ensure accessibility remains at the heart of transport policy, planning and investment.
Thank you, Cathaoirleach. I welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters further and look forward to answering the Committee’s questions.”