Confirmation and Re-Affirmation of the Minutes of the Public Realm,

Transportation/Mobility Management SPC held on the 3rd of June 2025

It was proposed by Councillor D. Butler and seconded by Councillor P. Quinlan and RESOLVED:

“That the recommendations contained in the Minutes of the Public Realm,

Transportation/Mobility Management Strategic Policy Committee Meeting held on the 3^rd of June 2025 be APPROVED and ADOPTED”

A presentation was given to the members by Deirdre Sinclair, Administrative Officer, providing an update on the Review of Casual Trading Bye Laws.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the presentation.

The Motion in the name of Councillor Hopkins was proposed by Councillor Hopkins seconded by Councillor Butler.

Motion:

“That the Chief Executive publish our policy relating to universal access to the Public Realm (specifically footpaths) and explain how we ensure that policy is being adhered to.”

Report:    

The Council do not have a specific policy relating to universal access to the public realm but rather look at best practice guidance instead.

Universal Design & Part M of the building regulations is key policy governing access to the built environment for disabled persons in Ireland.

Our Engineers would already refer to the Irish Wheelchair Association’s Best Practice Access Guidelines which goes into specifics around street and built environment design, for example when installing new accessible blue badge parking spaces.

Fingal County Council’s Access Officer have noted that there are a few guidance manuals which we usually refer to also. As best practice under the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), we would tend to lean a lot on what guidance Disabled Persons Organisations (DPO) produce. One such guidance manual is Voice of Vision Impairment’s Manual for Accessible Public Spaces as it has been authored by people who are blind or visually impaired.

Secondly, there is an executive summary of the Univeral design approach for the Urban Environment in Ireland. This provides guidance on how to make the streetscape more universally accessible for all. These are a branch of the National Disability Authority and as such would be highly regarded for their guidance material.

Finally, there is a Universal Design Walkability Audit Tool made available by the National Transport Authority to assist Local Authorities or indeed local groups when conducting walkability audits in terms of of key items to look for. The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) already informs a lot of how we plan the public realm and connectivity of footpath users, and this could be referred to also.

Following discussion, the Committee NOTED the report.