COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN MEETING

Thursday, June 17, 2021

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor T. Gilligan, Councillor C. O'Connor , Councillor D. O'Donovan, Councillor E. O'Brien, Councillor E. Murphy, Councillor Yvonne Collins, Councillor T. Costello, Councillor Shane Moynihan

That the Development Plan makes a specific objective of including 'Changing Places' facilities in all community and county buildings being newly constructed or refurbished during the lifetime of this Development Plan.

REPORT:

The motion as proposed is for the inclusion of a specific objective to include 'Changing Places' facilities in all community and county buildings being newly constructed or refurbished during the lifetime of this Development Plan.

Changing places are a significant improvement on standard accessible toilets as they provide a larger floor area of approximately 12 square metres and additional equipment such as a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a full room coverage ceiling track hoist system, a centrally located toilet bowl with space either side for transfers/assistants and a safe and clean environment.

South Dublin County Council has been very proactive in respect to the provision of Changing Places.   A Changing Places toilet facility is installed at County Hall and there is currently one other Changing Places facility in the county at North Clondalkin Library. This facility has all the features of a Changing Places Toilet Facility except it is a smaller space at 8 square metres.  There is also a Changing Places facility currently under construction in the new Lucan Swimming Pool and a Changing Places facility will be installed in Tallaght Stadium as part of the planned Stadium upgrade and extension.

In relation to the proposed motion, while every effort will be made, it may be difficult due to space constraints to include changing places in all refurbished community and council buildings. Therefore, is considered that the proposed motion be adopted with amendment as follows:

Insert as a new objective under Chapter 8, Section 8.4.3 Universally Accessible Social/Community Facilities, Policy COS 2 Social/Community Infrastructure:

COS 2 Policy Objective 7:

To include ‘changing place' facilities in all community and county buildings being newly constructed and where feasible, where being refurbished, during the lifetime of this County Development Plan.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the motion be adopted with amendment.

Insert as a new objective under Chapter 8, Section 8.4.3 Universally Accessible Social/Community Facilities, Policy COS 2 Social/Community Infrastructure:

COS 2 Policy Objective 7 (or as may be numbered within this Policy):

To include ‘changing place' facilities in all community and county buildings being newly constructed and where feasible, where being refurbished, during the lifetime of this County Development Plan.