Construction Project to Improve Universal Access at Leinster House

The Ceann Comhairle, Ms Verona Murphy, T.D., and Minister Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran are pleased to announce that works are ongoing to address accessibility issues across Leinster House and, in particular, to restore universal access at the North Road entrance to Leinster House.

Together with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is working on a programme of Universal Access Upgrade Projects in Leinster House to address the needs of the building users and visitors and to comply with regulations. This programme is part of the normal maintenance upgrade works, which are undertaken by the OPW annually to maintain and improve the historic buildings at the campus, which by their very nature, have a range of challenges in terms of universal access.

Works will commence shortly on a vital project to improve accessibility for all visitors to Leinster House. The works are located at the North Road entrance to the Leinster House complex and will include upgrades to the associated fire safety, mechanical and electrical systems in this area.

The works will commence shortly and will continue until the end of this year. The total project budget for these works is €180k, including contingency, VAT and fees.

The OPW plans to follow on with external upgrades at the North Road entrance, addressing universal access, security and landscaping to complete the works to this area.

Speaking about the works, Minister Moran said, “adequate accessibility in our Parliament is of paramount importance for both the OPW and the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. We must ensure that the highest standard of access is provided to all, with ease and dignity. The OPW and the Houses of the Oireachtas have been working collaboratively over the past number of months to ensure the delivery of this value for money project. I am delighted that this project is now proceeding and we will continue to work with the Ceann Comhairle and the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to further improve facilities throughout Leinster House.”

Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD said, “Leinster House, the People’s House, welcomes thousands of visitors annually. Last year alone there were over 68,000 visitors to Leinster House excluding Members, staff and officials who attend on a daily basis. I welcome this vital work which the OPW is ready to embark on. These works will provide the necessary universal access which can be independently accessed by all occupants and visitors to our National Parliament”.

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please contact pressoffice@opw.ie for more information and to arrange an interview.

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Notice

The Office of Public Works (OPW) leads on conservation architecture, site conservation, protection and care across a range of high-profile historic buildings in Dublin including the repair and maintenance of the Houses of the Oireachtas Complex. The OPW has managed a series of major capital works including the development of Leinster House 2000 and the recent refurbishment of Historic Leinster House.

The OPW delivers an annual programme of maintenance and upgrades across Leinster House and Government Buildings including works to improve accessibility for all users.

Leinster House welcomes thousands of visitors annually, many of whom visit and use the area within Leinster House that includes the main Restaurant. This room is used by Members, their guests, visiting parliamentarians from other countries, ambassadors and other visitors.

Previously, this area was accessed by a chairlift installation, which was at end of life and could no longer be maintained so it was removed. Following this, level access was only available via a back of house route and was not acceptable. These works will provide universal access, which can be independently accessed by all visitors and occupants.

Part M of the Building Regulations in Ireland covers Access and Use. These regulations detail the requirements for making new and existing buildings, their facilities, and environs accessible to people with disabilities.