‘All homes should be accessible to all’ across Donegal
At least 30% of all new housing developments will incorporate Universal Design principles, supporting independent living for the elderly and people with disabilities
Under a new housing plan, 30% of social homes constructed in Donegal will be universally accessible.
The government's national social housing strategy, ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities', requires local authorities to develop Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs). A minimum of 30% of all new housing developments will incorporate Universal Design principles, supporting independent living for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Sinn Féin councillor Gerry McMonagle said: “I welcome the fact that 30% of the homes that are being built are disability proofed. I urge us to expand on this as I think all homes should be accessible to all, now when they are being built. A lot of people are living longer, and we will need more houses which are suitable for all.”
Group homes, designed and adapted with an Occupational Therapist, will be included, as well as dedicated traveller accommodation.
“All new houses have to comply with the building regulations in relation to access,” Mr John Gallagher, Senior Engineer, said. “There needs to be level access going in the door, sufficient widths.
“Our development plan has a requirement that 30% of units need to meet the universal design standards, which is the next step up to the building regulations. That means, in addition to door widths, there is ground-floor sleeping accommodation, as well as bathroom facilities, which wheelchair users can access. This future-proofs the house so that, as the occupants go through their life and their needs change, the universally designed house will still be suitable.
“The next step is that we design housing units based on [Occupational Therapist] reports. These requirements are built into the design. There are different steps, starting at the building regulations, then moving up to the category with a detailed OT report.”
HDAPS demonstrate how social and affordable housing targets translate into delivery. In Donegal, the target is 822 social homes plus 80 affordable homes, 30% of which will be universally accessible.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme