Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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117. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the percentage of social housing being planned nationally that aligns with the principles of universal design; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30158/21]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The ‘Programme for Government - Our Shared Future’ commits to ensuring that there is an appropriate mix of housing design types provided, including universally designed units, and accommodation for older people and people with disabilities. 

In addition, the joint policy statement 'Housing Options for our Ageing Population', launched by my Department and the Department of Health in 2019, includes an Action on universal design to “In partnership with industry, introduce measures to ensure that over a five year period delivery is increased to ensure that 30% of all new dwellings are built to incorporate universal design principles to accommodate our ageing population.” Appropriate measures to deliver on this commitment in the most cost effective manner, are currently being formulated by my Department. 

All newly built social homes comply with Part M of the Building Regulations on ‘Access and Use’, which underpins the principle of Universal Design. Part M aims to ensure that all new dwellings are visitable and specifies the minimum standard, which includes provision for:

- an accessible approach route to the dwelling,

- a level threshold at the main entrance,

- door widths of sufficient width for a wheelchair user,

- circulation routes, corridors of sufficient width for a wheelchair user,

- a WC at entry level suitable for a wheelchair user, and

- switches & sockets at an accessible height.