COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 08, 2019

QUESTION NO. 52

QUESTION: Councillor F. Timmons

To ask the Chief Executive to provide a report in advance of the Community Participation (Disability) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2019 on how many Changing Places are envisaged for SDCC and locations , what plans have SDCC to ensure there is accessible Changing places are more widely provided ? is there any grants available to anyone willing to install a Changing place? Changing Places promote dignity and are a key element of inclusion.   https://changingplaces.ie/ 

REPLY:

Accessible bathroom provision is required for all buildings including new houses in accordance with standards set out under Part M of the Building Regulations. In buildings accessible to the public an accessible bathroom typically measures 2.0 x 2.4 metres (4.8 sq. ms) to comply with this standard. Changing Places is an initiative to provide improved access for a wider range of disability including additional space for the user and up to two assistants, with height-adjustable fittings including adult-sized changing bench/bed and a full-coverage ceiling-track hoist system. The resulting space required is 4.0 x 3.0 metres (12.0 sq. ms) minimum. South Dublin County Council has committed to providing three Changing Place facilities - plans have been drawn up for one in County Hall, Tallaght, later in 2019, a second facility will follow in the North Clondalkin Library in early 2020 with a third facility in Lucan Swimming Pool towards the end of 2020. South Dublin County Council will be the largest contributor to this initiative inside 18 months as there are currently 11 such facilities in the Republic of Ireland.