NEW BUILDING regulations which will improve access for people with disabilities to shops, hotels, institutional buildings and private houses have been released for public consultation by the Minister for the Environment.
Current building regulations already require that all new buildings, except houses, be designed and constructed so that people with a range of disabilities can safely and independently approach and gain access, move around and use the relevant facilities, including toilets.
The proposed amendments to the building regulations would require these rules to be followed in any material alterations to buildings. They would also apply if buildings are converted to use as a daycare centre, hotel, institutional building, place of assembly, shop, or shopping centre.
“I would urge all interested parties, representative organisations and professional representative bodies to comment on these proposals,” the Minister, John Gormley, said.
