Vol. 471 No. 4
158 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the current difficulties being experienced by people confined to wheelchairs regarding access to public places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21168/96]
The Building Regulations, 1991, place a duty on persons providing or reconstructing buildings to cater for the needs of disabled people. Departments and local authorities have been asked on a number of occasions over the years to ensure that appropriate provision is made for access for disabled people to all buildings under their control. The provision of access for disabled people to other existing buildings is a matter for the owners or occupiers of the buildings concerned.
In the design and execution of roadworks and pedestrian facilities, my Department has requested local authorities to pay particular attention to the needs of disabled people. This includes consideration of such matters as the safety and accessibility of footpaths, including the dishing of kerbs, and pedestrian and parking facilities.
A scheme of grants is available to local authorities in the Greater Dublin area to implement traffic management measures forming part of the overall DTI strategy. Of grants totalling £3.7 million in 1994 and 1995, £770,000 was paid for the provision of facilities for the disabled.
