Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 5 Mar 1998

Vol. 488 No. 3

Written Answers - Housing Guidelines.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

14 Ms Clune asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the guidelines, if any, given to local authorities in relation to the provision of houses suitable for mobility-impaired persons; the number of local authority houses constructed or adapted for use by mobility-impaired persons for each of the last six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5880/98]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

My Department has advised local authorities that housing for persons with disabilities should normally be met by the provision of houses designed to meet their known specific needs. The authority should consult the persons concerned where known and their medical and para-medical advisers, as well as the various published guidelines such as those issued by the National Rehabilitation Board. Where a dwelling to meet specific needs is being provided as part of a local authority housing scheme, every effort should be made to identify the needs of the future occupant at the earliest possible stage.

In relation to the design of houses, local authorities have been advised that they should eliminate unnecessary barriers to facilitate future adaptations where required. My Department's current guidelines list a number of design aspects which facilitate ease of adaptation at a future date. These guidelines are currently being revised and the intention is that greater emphasis will be placed on adaptable design. In relation to complementary social housing options, such as the improvement works in lieu of local authority housing scheme and extensions to local authority houses, authorities have been advised to take account of the needs of the individuals involved, and the guidelines of the National Rehabilitation Board.

Returns submitted by local authorities indicate a total of 3,225 disabled persons' dwellings in the local authority housing stock at 31 December 1996, the latest date for which information is available. The number of dwellings provided by local authorities for persons with disabilities in recent years were:

1996: 43	1993: 37
1995: 47	1992: 14
1994: 30	1991: 17

In addition, at the end of 1996, 58 units were under construction, 28 units were at tender stage and a further 47 units were at planning stage. Information for the position at 31 December 1997 is currently being returned by local authorities but a complete return is not yet available.