David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the implementation plans regarding accessibility for public parks, playgrounds, open spaces and amenities under his Department's sectoral plan have been drawn up; if same have been drawn up for local authority owned harbours; if not, when these will be drawn up; the action his Department or local authorities will be taking as a result of the plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28713/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Following the completion of accessibility audits, local authorities are required to draw up implementation plans setting out programmes to give effect to the commitments and objectives contained in the Disability Act 2005 and the Department's related Sectoral Plan. Each implementation plan will be published and placed on the authority's website. I understand that nine such plans have been completed. The remaining local authorities have indicated that they are at an advanced stage in the preparation of their plans and expect to complete and publish them before the end of 2007. Where harbours are under the control of local authorities, they will be included in the implementation plans of the relevant authorities.

Each plan is required to contain targets and timeframes for carrying out the required works, and priority will be given to local authority buildings and other facilities to which access is most frequently required by people with disabilities, including public footpaths, street crossings and public amenity areas. The Department provides €15 million annually to local authorities to assist them in implementing actions under the National Disability Strategy. The Department will monitor progress on the implementation of the plans and seek reports, as appropriate, as required by the Sectoral Plan.