Vol. 483 No. 3
280 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will introduce regulations regarding access onto street pavements where new streets are being provided or renewed by local authorities or private contractors for people with a disability including wheelchair users and other categories of people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20038/97]
My Department's memorandum on grants for non-national roads 1996-99 urges local authorities to pay particular attention to the needs of the mobility impaired, including the visually impaired, when planning and executing road works and particularly when planning and designing pedestrian facilities. Measures recommended include the avoidance of steep or irregular gradients or sharp changes in the alignment of footpaths, the dishing of kerbs, the provision of wheelchair ramps at pedestrian crossing points where possible and consultation with representatives of people with disabilities where appropriate.
My Department will continue to monitor the implementation of this advice. The need for specific regulations which would require new enabling legislation, would be for consideration in the event that existing arrangements were shown to be unsatisfactory.
