Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
1031. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure that new housing stock will be wheelchair user friendly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41591/14]
View answer1032. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a wheelchair user rating system for properties, similar to BER ratings, to assist wheelchair users searching for suitable accommodation, as at present properties advertised as being wheelchair accessible are not necessarily suitable for wheelchair users to live in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41592/14]
View answer1069. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a grant is available to make a public building wheelchair accessible (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42222/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1031, 1032 and 1069 together.
The Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010 and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use make provision for the access and use of buildings by people with mobility issues , including wheelchair users.
In the case of dwellings, the requirement is that a new dwelling must be visitable by people with disabilities and there are specific requirements in respect of approaches to a dwelling and the widths of internal doors. There are no proposals under consideration by my Department at present in relation to the introduction of a wheelchair user rating system for dwellings along the lines suggested.
In the case of buildings other than dwellings, in broad terms, the latest regulations require that all new buildings should be designed and constructed so that people with a range of disabilities can safely and independently approach and gain access to a building, circulate within it and use the relevant facilities within it. The regulations also apply to the approach and access to, and sanitary facilities in, existing buildings when extended or subject to a material alteration or a material change of use.
Housing adaptation grants are available within each local authority area to render a house more suitable for the accommodation of persons with a disability. Community and voluntary groups may be entitled to apply for grant aid along the lines suggested under funding schemes run by the HSE and Pobal. It is not clear from the details supplied whether the organisation in question would be categorised as a community or voluntary group.
Compliance with the Building Regulations is primarily the responsibility of the owner and builder of the building concerned and any agents they engage to work on their behalf. In a social housing context, the local authority in its role as Housing Authority or the relevant Approved Housing Body must ensure that appropriate oversight arrangements are in place to secure compliance with all statutory obligation including Part M requirements. Responsibility for enforcement of the Regulations rests with the 31 local Building Control Authorities.
Building Regulations are subject to ongoing review by my Department . All proposed changes to the Building Regulations are subject to a comprehensive Regulatory Impact Assessment and a detailed public consultation process prior to final regulations being approved and signed into law.
