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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Apr 1997

Vol. 477 No. 5

Written Answers. - Access to Public Buildings.

James McDaid

Ceist:

31 Dr. McDaid asked the Minister for the Environment the steps, if any, he will take with a view to providing adequate access to public buildings and pedestrian thoroughfares for people who are wheelchair bound; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6652/97]

The Building Regulations, 1991 place a duty on persons providing or reconstructing buildings to cater for the needs of disabled people. Departments and local authorities have been asked on a number of occasions over the years to ensure that appropriate provision is made for access for disabled people to all buildings under their control. The provision of access for disabled people to other existing buildings is a matter for the owners or occupiers of the buildings concerned.

In the design and execution of road works and pedestrian facilities, my Department has requested local authorities to pay particular attention to the needs of disabled people. This includes consideration of such matters as the safety and accessibility of footpaths, including the dishing of kerbs, and pedestrian and parking facilities.
A scheme of grants is available to local authorities in the greater Dublin area to implement traffic management measures forming part of the overall DTI strategy. In the 1994-6 period, over £1 million was paid under this scheme for the provision of facilities for the mobility impaired.
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