Embedding Accessibility in the Irish Market

What is considered “accessible” and how we approach designing for people with disabilities is constantly evolving and has changed significantly over the years. We have moved away from the Medical Model of Disability, which viewed disability as a result of an individual’s abilities, to the Social Model, which recognises that disabilities are often the result of barriers introduced by society. We acknowledge that it is the role of designers and consultants to embed accessibility within their work to help create a more inclusive world. Irish Building Regulations require accessibility to be considered in the built environment, including the requirement for a Disability Access Certificate (DAC) for many projects.

What is a DAC and When Do I Need One? 

A DAC is a statutory document required under the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations, certifying that the design of building works is in compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations. Although all building works are required to comply with the Building Regulations, not all works require a DAC. 

The requirement for a DAC depends on both the use of the building and the type of proposed work. The process to confirm if a DAC is needed can be broken down into three steps:

1. Is the building used for an applicable use case?
2. Is it an applicable type of building works?
3. Final determination

Generally, most building uses will require a DAC, with the following noted exceptions:

• Buildings which are:
  • Used for the storage of materials or products, for the accommodation of plant or machinery or in connection with the housing, care or management of livestock solely,
  • Exclusively used for the purpose of agriculture
  • Buildings in which the only people habitually employed are engaged solely in the care, supervision, regulation, maintenance, storage or removal of the material, products, plants, machinery or livestock in the building
• Dwellings other than flats
• Domestic garages
• Ancillary to a dwelling which is used exclusively for recreational or storage purposes or the keeping of plants, birds or animals for domestic purposes and is not used for the purpose of any trade or business or for human habitation
• Used solely to enable inspection, repair or maintenance of fixed plant, building services or machinery

The type of work done in buildings, excluding those listed above, that require a DAC are divided into the following categories:

• Construction of new buildings
• Material alteration of an existing building
• Extensions to existing buildings
• Material changes of use to existing buildings

Finally, reviewing the specific conditions within each of these building works categories, a final determination as to whether a DAC is required for the project can be made.

Technical Guideline Document Part M 

To assist in ensuring submitted DAC packages and the designs they contain are in compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have produced Technical Guidance Document Part M (TGD M), which, if followed, prima facie, shows compliance. 

Similar to evolving knowledge on accessibility, the technical guidance document also evolves between iterations in an attempt to remain up to date with building regulations, improve its contents and stay relevant to our changing world. From the 2010 (TGD M 2010) edition to the 2022 (TGD M 2022) edition, we can see a series of minor updates throughout with the standout item being the inclusion of Changing Place Toilets. 

A Changing Place Toilet is a large sanitary facility, containing a WC, basin, changing bench, hoist and an optional shower provision. The inclusion of Changing Place Toilets, which are an assisted use facility designed for people with disabilities that require additional assistance, shows that the scope of TGD M can be expanded to provide a higher level of accessibility as TGD M 2010 which focused on independent use accessible facilities.

Incorporating Universal Design (UD)

The inclusion of assisted use facilities within TGD M 2022 shows how UD is increasingly being incorporated into our daily lives.

UD, as set out in The Disability Act 2005, is defined as:

• The design and composition of an environment so that it may be accessed, understood and used:
  • To the greatest possible extent
  • In the most independent and natural manner possible
  • In the widest possible range of situations
  • Without the need for adaptation, modification, assistive devices or specialised solutions, by any person of any age or size or having any particular physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual ability or disability, and
• Means, in relation to electronic systems, any electronics-based process of creating products, services or systems so that they may be used by any person.

And it’s not just the TGD M that is being updated to further include UD elements; Development Plans for the Local Authorities are also being updated to include commentary on UD, outlining their requirements for the inclusion of UD elements.

Going Beyond Compliance

Building regulations and local authority development plans have embedded accessibility in the Irish Market by outlining the basic principles and levels of accessibility that need to be achieved to ensure that people with disabilities are considered and that our designs do not create barriers within the built environment. 

However, compliance is just the start. 

We have the opportunity to consider the impact our designs will have on the end user and how their needs will change throughout life. Designers, contractors, and clients are in a unique position to further develop their accessibility strategies and have a positive impact on the lives of not just people with disabilities but also anyone interacting with their development.

At Jensen Hughes, we support clients in creating comprehensive accessibility strategies that balance regulatory requirements, practical design considerations, and real-world user experiences to deliver inclusive, functional, and adaptable solutions for diverse user needs.