889. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of buildings in the Office of Public Works estate that are fully wheelchair accessible; the number that are not; the programme of works in place to bring the remaining buildings into compliance with section 25 of the Disability Act 2005, which required public buildings to be made accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56408/26]

The Universal Access Programme commenced in 2017 and is a priority works programme for my office. As part of this programme, Universal Access facilities are either enhanced or introduced at Garda Stations and a range of Government department offices across the country. Buildings have been upgraded either as stand-alone projects or as part of integrated fabric upgrade works. Improving accessibility is embedded into all works undertaken across the OPW portfolio, rather than a discrete programme with a fixed completion date. Given the extent of the estate that the OPW owns and manages it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for when this work will be concluded. The works typically involve site-specific responses ranging from the modification of external arrival areas, including the introduction of ramps and handrails, to the provision of modified reception areas and sanitary facilities.

Public buildings are prioritised for accessibility improvements, with specific building modifications varying in cost, scale and complexity. In some instances, buildings that cannot be economically or practically upgraded to modern accessibility standards are closed, disposed of, or replaced with new buildings constructed to current universal access standards. Many existing State portfolio buildings are being modified on a phased basis where they do not already comply with Section 25 of the Disability Act 2005. Appropriate design solutions are sought on a case by case basis. Accessibility Audits are conducted in consultation with the occupants of the building before the scope of the project is finalised. Some modifications require Planning Permission to be sought or Part 9 applications to be made. Part M of the Technical Guidance Documents compliance is required in terms of adherence to Building Control regulations.

Regarding compliance with Section 25 of the Disability Act, there are built-in limits to adhere to in its requirements rather than broad exemptions, meaning public bodies must make buildings accessible only "as far as practicable". Specific exceptions and balancing factors include heritage sites governed under Section 29 of the Disability Act 2005, and/or changes that would compromise building features, interiors and its curtilage where it has Protected Structure status or it is a National Monument. In addition, a number of constraints are in place where there are limited available resources or other statutory obligations or restrictions are in place.

There were 35 projects completed under the Universal Access Programme of the OPW in 2025. This year there are 7 projects contractually committed so far and a further series of building alterations going through the usual work stages that are yet to be contractually committed. The OPW will continue to prioritise this work with a view to progressively raising accessibility standards across its property portfolio, in line with its obligations under the Disability Act 2005 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).