Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 May 2026
18. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the work he is doing to ensure that all OPW owned buildings, structures and monuments are fully accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40076/26]
View answerThe Office of Public Works continues to make accessibility a priority across its owned property portfolio.
New Government Department Office Buildings, Garda Stations, Coast Guard Stations, Cultural Facilities, and Visitor Centres are designed to Part M of the current Building Regulations across the OPW portfolio, unless in specific situations where exemptions are in place.
In addition, existing buildings in the State portfolio are modified, on a phased basis, in accordance with the terms set out in the OPW Universal Access Programme. The OPW runs a Universal Access Programme, which targets access solutions for all OPW-owned or leased public buildings and facilities. The works typically involve site-specific solutions, including improvements to entrances, circulation routes, sanitary facilities and customer service areas, to comply with part M of the current regulations. While most of its work is centred on the requirement to upgrade the building or facility where a service is provided for the public, the solution is not always the same across the board. On completion of access audits, design solutions are considered and site-specific projects are delivered taking account of both Government agency client requirements and the public needs in order to comply with the Disability Act 2005, if applicable.
Universal Access opportunities are investigated on a case by case basis by trained access auditors. Appropriately designed solutions are applied within the legislative parameters. Co-design solutions are prioritised in accordance with international best practice, and in consultation with the Centre for Excellence Unit at the National Disability Authority agency. Section 25 of the Disability Act 2005 sets out the accessibility provisions are to be applied ‘as far as is practicable’ and Part M of the Technical Guidance Documents is followed in a parallel process or within the legislative obligations applicable in that instance.
In addition, under Section 16 of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, staff with specific disabilities or who develop a disability must be provided with reasonable accommodation at their place of work. This is facilitated through the Universal Access Programme on a case by case basis. Accessibility audits are undertaken in conjunction with the staff member to establish the best design of the space for their workplace needs. Solutions have evolved over the last number of years and the advent of remote working options has increased the opportunities to provide solutions that can accommodate more staff on different work patterns or alternate anchor days in the office.
