COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor Carly Bailey, Councillor Eoin Ó Broin

QDP7 Objective12: To develop a network of pedestrian footpaths and public spaces, which include public toilets, accessible outdoor seating and facilities for people with disabilities and/or mobility impairments, and based on the principles of universal design.

REPORT:  

The motions seeks to include additional wording to QDP7 Objective12 as follows:

From:

QDP7 Objective12: To develop a network of pedestrian footpaths and public spaces which include facilities for people with disabilities and/or mobility impairments based on the principles of universal design.

To:

QDP7 Objective12: To develop a network of pedestrian footpaths and public spaces, which include public toilets, accessible outdoor seating and facilities for people with disabilities and/or mobility impairments and based on the principles of universal design.

In respect the provision of public toilets, in ‘Being Age Friendly in the Public Realm Guidelines and Good Practice’ guidance document, it states the following:

Providing dedicated standalone public toilets may not necessarily be the answer. Creative solutions to make existing toilets in public or semi-public places available might be a better solution. Supporting and encouraging businesses and public buildings to make their toilets available can contribute to a solution.

It further states in the guidelines the following:

Toilets in public buildings that are accessible both from inside and outside can be very convenient for older people. A balance between the provision and potential abuse of the service needs to be considered prior to the development. Some public toilets have opening hours, which need to be consistent to maximise use’.

The guidelines provide an example of public toilets in the People’s Park which are easily accessible, located in an area frequented by older people. The maintenance programme is managed by the local authority.

Having regard to the above, it is considered that the proposed motion should be adopted with amendment as follows:

QDP7 Objective12:

To develop a network of pedestrian footpaths and public spaces, which includes access to public toilets, accessible outdoor seating and facilities for people with disabilities and/or mobility impairments and based on the principles of universal design.

RECOMMENDATION:  

It is recommended that this motion is adopted with amendment.

QDP7 Objective 12:

To develop a network of pedestrian footpaths and public spaces, which includes access to public toilets, accessible outdoor seating and facilities for people with disabilities and/or mobility impairments and based on the principles of universal design.