Written answer
Disability Issues
All Department buildings are wheelchair accessible except one heritage building, which cannot be upgraded without harming its historical significance and structural stability.
420. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance in cases in which a building under his control is not wheelchair accessible, the reason for this; his plans to remedy this; and the timeline for measures to be completed. [65346/26]
Comment on this
421. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the wheelchair accessibility of all buildings under his control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65316/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 421 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department is provided with accommodation by the OPW.
The buildings that my Department occupies are wheelchair accessible with the exception of one.
This particular building cannot be upgraded for wheelchair accessibility and is exempt under Section 0.7 (A) and (B) of the "Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document M 2022".
The building is an important part of architectural heritage and is located within a Georgian Conservation Area. Any works required to make the buildings accessible would have a significant adverse effect on the historical significance, as well as an impact on the overall structural stability of the building.