Ms Rosemary Collier:

Over decades, the OPW has sought, where possible, to introduce universal access to sites. National monuments are exempt from the legislation on provision of access under Part M of the building regulations. However, in instances where we can do so, we have, and will, put in lifts, ramps or other appropriate access arrangements at national monuments. There are some good examples of this around the country. In Kilkenny Castle, for example, where there is not access to the picture gallery, there is now planning permission for a scheme to provide universal access to that floor by way of a lift. We are also putting in changing places. Our policy is that where we are doing works, we seek to ensure we have universally accessible facilities and that we put in changing places, which we have done in places like Doneraile Court in north Cork and Farmleigh House.

We take the opportunity when we are doing works at sites to ensure we integrate very good universal access arrangements and suitable supports for people with disabilities. However, that is just not possible in all buildings. In particular, national monuments like tower houses and round towers are very constricted buildings in terms of their architectural fabric. It is just not possible to create universal access in all those locations. However, we have a very good programme and a very dedicated team of people who look at this and understand what they are meant to integrate into all projects as they are going along.