Ms Ruth O'Reilly:

Overall universal design is a philosophy. Deputy Gould is right that universal design is about designing environments that work well for everyone regardless of age, size, ability or disability. Our universal design guidelines for homes in Ireland have different levels of universal design. A universal design home is the base level. It includes a 1,500 mm typical turning space, which is generally deemed sufficient for a manual wheelchair user and serves someone who uses a rollator or walking aid. UD+ moves up to the 1,800 mm turning circle, which is deemed sufficient for most powered wheelchairs. UD++ is a higher level of design that, typically, has a 2.4 m turning circle, which is for people with a higher level of need. There are different grades for housing. Obviously in the built environment in public spaces, a 1,800 mm turning circle is the typical standard that must be met.