9 Mar
Ireland Publishes First-Ever Guidelines for Accessible Maritime Passenger Transport with Benefits to Tourism
A press release from Irelands Department of Transportation announces that new guidelines to making maritime travel more accessible for people with disabilities have been published by the Department and the National Disability Authority (NDA). The guidelines contain practical advice about accessibility to information, improvements to shore facilities, disability awareness training for staff, and emergency planning for those in maritime transport services.
Transport Minister Dempsey said: “The Government actively supports and encourages continued improvements in accessibile maritime passenger transport services because it will open up and enhance the sustainability of this key sector. Not alone have we published these Guidelines, but we have recently provided access audits for domestic passenger vessels and disability awareness training courses for operators and their crew throughout the country. We hope that our efforts, (in particular, these Guidelines), will influence those involved in the maritime passenger transport industry to review passenger services and undertake practical improvements to increase accessibility.”
Siobhan Barron, Director of the NDA, added “Transport is key to enabling people with disabilities and older people to participate in the normal activities of life. Making maritime transport accessible, benefits everyone. Accessible maritime transport is also good news for business; it benefits our tourism industry, it’s vital for people living on or visiting our offshore islands and it provides a link to our international neighbours.”
The ”Guidelines for Accessible Maritime Passenger Transport” and a useful card, entitled “10 Tips for Better Access” are aimed at all passenger vessel owners and operators. They are also aimed at port operators, local authorities and a number of Government Departments who have a statutory remit regarding maritime passenger transport services. It is also a useful resource for the disability sector and other interested parties.
The leaflet ”10 Tips for Better Access” and the “Guidelines for Accessible Maritime Passenger Transport” are available to view or download on the Department of Transport website and the NDA website.
