1840. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of public buildings that are not wheelchair accessible; if he plans to ensure these buildings become wheelchair accessible over a period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62135/26]

Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005 places an obligation on public bodies to make their buildings and services accessible. Section 25 of that Act states that a public body shall ensure that its public buildings are as far as practicable, accessible to persons with disabilities and requires public bodies to apply Part M of the Building Regulations retrospectively to the public areas of public buildings. The Disability Act 2005 falls within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, along with the National Disability Authority (NDA), which has a statutory role in monitoring elements of the Disability Act 2005. I have no function in gathering information on the number of public buildings that are not wheelchair accessible.

From my Department’s perspective, the Building Regulations 1997 to 2024 provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings and apply to the design and construction of a new building, an extension and certain works to an existing building.

The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations in 12 parts (classified as Parts A to M). The related Technical Guidance Documents(TGDs) provide technical guidance on how to comply with the regulations in practical terms. Where works are carried out in accordance with the technical guidance, such works are considered to be, prima facie, in compliance with the relevant regulation(s).

Part M (Access and Use) sets out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access and use. Part M aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. In order to satisfy the requirements of Part M, all buildings should be designed and constructed so that people can safely and independently approach, gain access and use a building, its facilities and its environs and elements of the building should not constitute an undue hazard for people, especially for people with vision, hearing or mobility impairments. TGD M provides guidance on the minimum level of provision to meet requirements of Part M, for common, non complex buildings.