Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
496. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her Department's efforts to improve accessibility in towns in north Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18210/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring that all areas of the country - including North Kildare - 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 this involves several Government Departments, public agencies and local authorities, going well beyond the remit of any single Department or Government Minister.
Under the Disability Act 2005, measures to be taken to facilitate access by disabled people to services provided by local authorities are principally a matter for the local authority in question and under the broader remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
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
Pillar Three – Independent Living and Active Participation in Society – contains an overarching commitment to ensuring that disabled people will have increased supports to live as independently as possible and to enjoy full participation in their local communities.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are co-leading on this Pillar’s delivery in conjunction with numerous other government departments and public agencies.
This Pillar includes actions designed to promote the inclusion of disabled people in the local community, including the creation of more accessible services and environments, such as cultural and sporting events, as well as actions that will increase the full participation of disabled people across all aspects of community life nationwide.
Improving the accessibility of public and private transport options for disabled people is a core feature of our overall commitment to ensuring that our towns and villages are accessible for all. The Department of Transport is leading on the delivery of Pillar Five – Transport and Mobility. 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.
The Strategy's overarching cross-government framework recognises that improving accessibility 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.
