Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 May 2024
105. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any regulations which require that a multi-unit residential building should have adaptations made to make access more convenient for a resident with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23240/24]
View answerThe Building Regulations 1997-2024 set out the legal requirements for the construction of new buildings (including houses), extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. Their aim is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and around buildings. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) are published to accompany each part of the Building Regulations indicating how the requirements of that part can be achieved in practice.
The Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations sets out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access and use.
Part M aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. The accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010) (TGD M), provides guidance on how the requirements of Part M can be achieved in practice.
While the Part M requirements may be regarded as a statutory minimum level of provision, the accompanying technical guidance encourages building owners and designers to have regard to the design philosophy of universal design and to consider making additional provisions where practicable and appropriate.
My Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private homes to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People. The grants are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority.
The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various measures, is the responsibility of each local authority. The schemes are applicant based and are available to people with an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual disability, and to older people who experience mobility issues so that can continue to live independently at home.
The Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability (up to €30,000) and Mobility Aids Grant (up to €6,000) can provide funding for adaptations to private homes, including homes in multi-unit developments, which may be necessary to facilitate the needs of a disabled person. Grants may cover works, within the home of the applicant, such as the provision of grab rails, ramps, an accessible shower, a stair lift or a fixed track hoist.
