New publication entitled Access – Improving the accessibility of historic buildings and places
The Minister for Arts, Heritage & Gaeltacht Affairs Jimmy Deenihan TD has recently launched (5th October 2011) a new publication in his Departments Advice Series entitled, Access – Improving the accessibility of historic buildings and places.
The Architectural Heritage Advisory Unit (AHAU) of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with the support of the National Disability Authority have published these guidelines to create a greater understanding of the principles of conservation, universal design in addition to providing a greater understanding of relevant legislation and policy.
The new publication is aimed at those involved in planning and managing historic buildings and places. This includes conservation & heritage officers, architects, building control officers, access officers, facilities and accommodation staff, and others.
The document aims to assist all those listed above and anyone else (i.e. disability organisations) involved in the area of creating access for all people (despite their ability – age, size or disability). The document provides guidance on:
- Principles and legislation - This includes information on the principles of Universal Design, the principles of conservation and in the legislative context provides information on the Equal Status Acts 2000-2004, the Disability Act 2005 and the Employment Equality Acts 1998 & 2004, the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004, the Planning and Development Acts 2000 – 2010, the Building Control Acts 1990 – 2007, the Building control regulations including Building regulations Part M, Disability Access Certificates, the Wildlife Acts 1976 – 2010 and the felling of trees.
- Preparing to improve access – This provides information on the importance of obtaining the correct advice and expertise when improving access to historic buildings and places. Included is information on access strategies, conservation assessments, access audits and the various access options.
- Improving access in the external environment – This section describes a number of the main issues which should be addressed when improving accessibility in the external environment.
- Improving access in and around buildings – This section describes a number of areas such as arrival to the building, car parking, way finding, circulation and overcoming differences in level.
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Providing accessible information – Areas such as pre-visit information, the types of information to be provided and how to provide it are covered in this section.
For further information and to download a copy of the document click here or contact Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (www.pobail.ie). If you would like further information or need further assistance in relation to improving access to historical buildings or sites, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected]
