Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2023
392. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on plans to amend Part M of the Building regulations to include UD++ Wheelchair liveable accommodation; if he will provide a timeline for the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29717/23]
View answerThe Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010, which came into effect on 1 January 2012, sets out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access and use.
In response to the policy raised in the Deputy's questions, the ‘Programme for Government Our Shared Future’ commits to ensuring that there is an appropriate mix of housing design types provided, including universally designed units, and accommodation for older people and people with disabilities.
In respect of wheelchair liveable housing, a joint National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 was launched on 14 January 2022, available at gov.ie - National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022 – 2027 (www.gov.ie). This Strategy sets out the vision for the cooperation and collaboration of Government Departments, state agencies and others in delivering housing and the related supports for disabled people. This Strategy will operate within the framework of Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland.
I, along with my colleagues, Minister Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, jointly launched the Implementation Plan, in conjunction with the launch of an awareness campaign, on 22 June 2023. This plan will set out the actions to be taken in order to support the advancement of Universal Design principles in new housing. The Implementation Plan is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/d356f-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027-implementation-plan/
Finally, I am advised that the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Ireland’s official standards body under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have recently commenced work on a new national standard for Universal Design housing, which will be developed in collaboration with interested parties (See: www.nsai.ie/about/news/call-for-experts-in-the-development-of-a-standard-on-universal-design-dwellings-requirements-and-recommendations/ ) The new standard will include specific requirements and recommendations for new dwellings through a Universal Design approach.
