Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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168. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public works would support and fund the provision of mobility scooters so that those with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and mobility issue can have access to sites like Emo Park, Lough Boora in County Offaly; if he is aware that such mobility scooters are provided at the entrance Dublin Zoo for just such a purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54284/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works is committed to accessibility on our heritage properties. While recognising the benefits of such a scheme, there are a number challenges with the storing and maintenance of equipment, health and safety and public liability that would need to be considered in detail. Additionally, the OPW is not currently funded to provide such a service at our properties.

OPW staff at heritage properties across the country are available to help people with mobility issues to plan their visits. They offer practical guidance for our visitors to ensure that everyone can access their heritage.

The OPW has participated in schemes such as accessible cycling for people with mobility challenges. At John F. Kennedy Arboretum the OPW has collaborated with the Wexford Co Co. in the past to offer landscape tours by buggy to facilitate access for older people with mobility issues. The OPW is open to collaborating with community groups and social enterprises on implementing initiatives at our heritage properties where our collaborators have the resources to oversee the implementation of such schemes and where issues of health and safety and public liability can be appropriately managed.