The government is seeking the views of Dubliners with a public consultation on providing more changing places toilets for people with disabilities being launched.
The Minister of State for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke has proposed an amendment to the Building Regulations to make provision for changes in certain large publicly accessible buildings such as hospitals, schools, shopping centres and hotels.
A changing places toilet offers larger supported facilities that address the needs of people for whom current accessible sanitary accommodation is inadequate.
As many as 80 extra changing areas and places with toilets could be provided nationwide each year if regulations are changed.
The Department is looking to hear from the public and from all construction and business sectors, and in particular:
- People with disabilities who use changing places toilets
- People who support others to use changing places toilets
- Builders
- Building designers
- Building owners
Minister Burke said: "The implementation of these proposals has the potential to greatly enhance the lives of many people with a disability and could provide as many as 80 changing places toilets per year nationwide where they currently do not exist.
"Facilities such as these are needed to allow equal access to social activity and trips away from home for all citizens, and allow people with disabilities enjoy life in ways that I know many of us take for granted.
"I strongly encourage all those who may be impacted by the proposals to make their views known to the Department."
Submissions should be emailed to buildingstandards@housing.gov.ie by 5pm on Thursday, May 12.
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