David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 412: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all bodies under the aegis of his Department are on target to complete accessibility audits and implementation plans, in relation to the delivery of services to and accessibility for people with disabilities, by the end of 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46509/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In line with the Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, local authorities are required to carry out an audit of all roads and streets, pavements and pedestrian crossings, public buildings, public parks, amenities and open spaces, heritage sites, public libraries and harbours within their control to identify what remedial action is necessary to make these buildings and facilities accessible to people with disabilities.

Local authorities are further required to draw up an implementation plan setting out a programme of works within specific timeframes to address the deficits identified in the audit. The Plan requires local authorities to prioritise those buildings in their areas which are most frequented by members of the public as well as accessible public footpaths, streets and crossings in urban areas. In drawing up their plans authorities must have regard to funding and staffing resources available to them for implementation and must consult with organisations representing people with disabilities both in the compilation of the audit and drawing up of the implementation plan.

Local authorities are required to publish their plans and forward a copy to the Department. To date, 32 implementation plans have been received in the Department. Two more local authorities have yet to submit implementation plans.