Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1142.To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the requirements currently in place for developers to ensure accessible footpaths are provided. [32805/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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There are a range of approved standards and guidelines for use in the design of public roads, footpaths and cycleways, primarily published by the Department of Transport (DoT). Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) may develop further standards and specifications, overseen by the Department of Transport.

Urban roads and streets that have a speed limit of 60 km/h or lower must be designed in accordance with the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS). This manual was prepared by the Department of Transport and my Department jointly in 2013 and updated in 2019 and 2023. Its application is mandatory when providing new or modifying existing urban roads and streets (including footpaths) (DoT Circular RW 6/2013 refers). The manual is also to be implemented as part of the forward planning and development management functions under the Planning Code (Planning Circular PL 17/2013 refers).

The manual seeks to ensure that the movement, comfort and safety of vulnerable road users (including public footpaths) is prioritised within the urban environment and places pedestrians at the top of the user hierarchy. It includes practical measures to achieve:

Highly connected streets, which allow people to walk to key destinations in a direct and easy to find manner;

-A safe and comfortable street environment for pedestrians of all ages and abilities;

-Streets that contribute to the creation of attractive and lively communities; and

-Streets that calm traffic via a range of design measures that make drivers more aware of their environment.

The manual includes specific guidance in relation to the design of footpaths and crossings. There is a focus on ensuring that footpaths are wide enough to allow pedestrians to pass in comfort, based on anticipated levels of pedestrian traffic. Other measures include reduced waiting times and crossing distances at junctions, reducing obstacles (such as signage and street furniture) on the footpath, improved surface quality and the provision of well-designed, safe and direct routes.

DMURS was designed to respond to the principles of universal design, as outlined in documents such as ‘Building for Everyone, A Universal Design Approach’, published by the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. Its development was over seen by a Steering Committee that included representatives of the National Disability Association. It is a live document and my Department continues to work closely with the Dept. of Transport to ensure widespread and consistent implementation.