Shane Moynihan
Question:156. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a requirement or quota for wheelchair-accessible one/two-bedroom units in new housing developments. [68338/25]
View answerWednesday, 3 December 2025
Questions (156)
Written answers
The Building Regulations apply to the construction of all new buildings (including houses), extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. The related Technical Guidance Documents (Parts A - M respectively) provide technical guidance on how to comply with the regulations in practical terms.
Where works are carried out in accordance with the relevant technical guidance, such works are considered to be, prima facie, in compliance with the relevant regulation(s).
Part M (Access and Use) aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. The requirements of Part M underpin the principle of Universal Design. Technical Guidance Document M (TGD M), sets out guidance on the minimum level of provision to meet requirements of Part M, for example that new dwellings are visitable.
However, those involved in the design and construction of buildings should also have regard to the design philosophy of Universal Design and consider making additional provisions where practicable and appropriate. For this purpose, a list of useful references, advocating greater accessibility, is given at the end of TGD M.
My Department jointly published the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People 2022-2027 and Implementation Plan with the Department of Health and the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality. The Strategy and Implementation Plan may be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/60d76-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027/. The Strategy and Implementation Plan sets out the actions to achieve the vision of the joint Strategy for delivering housing and related supports for disabled people to 2027 operating under the new housing plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
Local authorities play a key role in the planning and provision of social housing in their areas, and decide on the number and types of dwellings to provide, based on identified need.
The National Disability Authority is undertaking an economic and social evaluation of the Universal Design housing model. My Department will consider this analysis when published.