Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
108. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her Department's efforts to improve accessibility in rural towns and villages for people with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that towns and villages are fully accessible is a key commitment for Government. This will require improvements in the accessibility of the built environment, public infrastructure and amenities, as well as public and private modes of transport; the achievement of which involves several Government Departments, public agencies and local authorities, going well beyond the remit of any single Department or Government Minister.
The development of the whole-of-government approach set out in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 launched in September 2025 will deliver a real step-change in disability policy across several areas, including advancing improvements in accessibility and Universal Design.
The Strategy’s focus is on the implementation of actions across five key thematic pillars that collectively capture the full range of issues impacting on the lives of disabled people:
• Inclusive Learning and Education
• Employment
• Independent Living and Active Participation in Society
• Wellbeing and Health
• Transport and Mobility
The Strategy's overarching cross-government framework recognises that improving the accessibility of towns and villages nationwide will require all lead Departments and public bodies to collaborate together to ensure that disabled people can be active participants in accessible and inclusive communities.
My Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are co-leading on Pillar Three – Independent Living and Active Participation in Society. A core commitment of Pillar Three is to ensure that disabled people will have increased supports to live as independently as possible and to enjoy full participation in their local communities. This Pillar includes actions designed to create more accessible services and environments, such as cultural activities and sporting events, as well as actions that will promote the full participation of disabled people within several dimensions of community life nationwide, including in our towns and villages.
The Department of Transport are leading on the delivery of actions and commitments under Pillar Five – Transport and Mobility. Focussing on improving the accessibility of public and private transport options for disabled people is a core feature of this Pillar, ensuring that our towns and villages are accessible for everyone. Pillar Five commits to increased funding for the Public Transport Accessibility Retrofit Programme, in line with the National Development Plan and to expanding the availability of accessible public transport options for both urban and rural areas.
