Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
515. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding streams are available to facilitate the installation of an accessibility lift in a public building; if so, the criteria for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14103/21]
View answer520. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding streams are available to facilitate the installation of an accessibility lift in a public building; if so, the criteria for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14101/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 515 and 520 together.
Section 25 of the Disability Act states that ‘a public body shall ensure that its public buildings[1], are as far as practicable, accessible to persons with disabilities. It defines public buildings as ‘a building, or that part of a building, to which members of the public generally have access and which is occupied, managed or controlled by a public body’.
Section 25 requires the upgrading of older public buildings so that they comply with Part M of the Building Regulations. When the Disability Act commenced in 2005, the current version of Part M was Part M 2000. Part M 2000 was reviewed and replaced with Part M 2010, which commenced on 1 January 2012. Under Section 25, public bodies are required to bring their public buildings into compliance with Part M 2000 by 31st December 2015 and with Part M 2010 by 1st January 2022 (unless the building is already required to be so compliant).
The Commissioners of Public Works have responsibility under this legislation at many public buildings but not all. OPW is endeavouring to meet its obligations in this regard in a programmatic way. This, of course, poses particular challenges in older buildings of which the Commissioners have many in their portfolio of State property. If the Deputy has a particular State building in mind I shall be glad to provide further information.
[1] other than heritage sites in the ownership, management or control of a public body, which are covered by Section 29 of the Disability Act
