Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the deputation for a comprehensive presentation. My first question relates to selling an idea and about engagement. One point may be helpful from our point of view. Do we have a figure for the total number of people who are wheelchair bound or who need to use wheelchairs? Another interesting figure is the number who are dependent on wheelchairs and living alone. These figures are relevant in emphasising the importance of adapting buildings and streetscapes.

Another point relates to engagement with various players involved in the construction industry. The first group is local authorities. When we were engaged in refurbishment in the city centre in Cork, I recall the engagement of the local authority with the association. That engagement was extremely important. What is the current level of engagement with local authorities? Are there clear targets set in each local authority area? I imagine in any local authority area there are at least 20 or 30 places which need to be adapted. It is a question of setting out a clear programme for when the work will be done to make the necessary changes and seeing if these targets are being met by local authorities.

There are several important players when it comes to design and construction. There are four main players, namely, the local authority, architects, engineers and the Construction Industry Federation. What level of engagement has there been with them? I have referred to local authorities, but what is the position with architects, engineers and the Construction Industry Federation in showing forward thinking and planning?

While we have gone through a downturn in the building industry, we are moving on. In Cork three or four major projects are under way, involving over €200 million in expenditure. It is important at this stage to ensure the mistakes made in the past are not made in the future. I am curious about the level of engagement. What can we do to assist it? I am keen to see where we go on these issues.