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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Building Regulations.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

764 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the changes he has made to the building regulations for people with a disability; the effect of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30588/00]

In June 2000, following a comprehensive review of Part M of the building regulations, I made amended regulations. I also published a revised edition of Technical Guidance Document M – Access for People with Disabilities, on how to comply with the regulations.

The amended Part M, which came into effect on 1 January 2001, requires that all new houses be visitable by people with disabilities. The main features of visitable housing include:

level or gently sloping approaches to dwellings;

level access at entry door;

sufficiently wide doors and corridors to accommodate a wheelchair, and

toilet facilities at entry level for wheelchair users and other people with disabilities.

The regulations also impose a more stringent legal requirement for suitability of disabled access to new non-residential buildings, such as places of employment and leisure, hotels, cinemas, etc. Such access will now have to be "adequate" not just "reasonable".
I issued a press statement at that time which outlined the main changes in the amended Part M. Copies of the regulations, together with the technical guidance document, and the relevant press statement have been lodged in the Oireachtas Library.
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