73 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment if he will ensure that all new housing and roadwork schemes involving footpaths are provided with ramps for wheelchairs; and if he will introduce a scheme to enable local authorities to provide ramps on existing footpaths over a phased period. [8855/95]

My Department's guidelines in relation to the provision of local authority housing draw attention to the necessity to take account of the needs of disabled people in the design of local authority housing. While the dishing of footpaths is not specifically mentioned in the guidelines, the cost of such provision can be recouped from housing capital.

As regards private housing development, planning authorities have adequate powers available to them to require the dishing of footpaths in all new schemes requiring planning permission.

The Roads Act, 1993 requires road authorities to consider the needs of all road users in the performance of their road improvement and maintenance functions. Each year, my Department urges road authorities to take account of the special needs of disabled people, including the visually impaired, in planning and executing road works and, in particular, in the planning and design of pedestrian facilities. Similar requirements apply to national roads which are funded by the National Roads Authority.