Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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540. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the way persons with impaired mobility are able to find their way in the built up environment of many local authorities; if he will ensure the full implementation of the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49077/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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My Department has supported local authorities in implementing the Disability Act 2005 since its enactment. My Department’s Sectoral Plan, as provided for in section 31 of the Disability Act 2005, was developed in consultation with people with disabilities to assist the Department and local authorities in supporting an inclusive society with accessible buildings, facilities, services and information.

In accordance with my Department’s Sectoral Plan, all local authorities were required to carry out an accessibility audit in respect of all public spaces, public buildings and services owned and operated by them. In total, my Department provided over €77 million, between 2005 and 2010, to assist local authorities in improving access to public spaces, buildings and services for people with disabilities. Funding was allocated annually for purposes of Disability Services to local authorities, on the basis of priority areas identified by them in implementation plans.

The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) takes a central role in the implementation of the Disability Strategy in the local government sector and provides a range of advice and support to local authorities in that regard.