Disability Access Certificate
On October 1st 2009 the Department of the Environment made changes to the Building Regulations – ‘Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2009’. These regulation changes brought about the implementation of the Disability Access Certificate (DAC), mandatory for all public premises from Jan 1st, 2010.
WHAT IS A DAC ?
A Disability Access Certificate is a certificate of compliance issued by the Building Control Authority with respect to requirements under Part M of the Building Regulations.
A Disability Access Certificate should be applied for at the same time as a Fire Safety Certificate and submitted to the Planning Authority with the Commencement Notice. A building cannot be used or occupied without a DAC.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A DAC ?
If your building is used by members of the general public, then you will need to apply for a DAC. You should apply along with your Fire Safety Certificate Application at design stage.
By 2015 all Public Bodies will be required to have their buildings compliant, which is likely to mean re-fitting to many older buildings (excluding historic / heritage buildings).
A Disability Access Certificate is required for new buildings other than dwellings (including apartment buildings) and certain other works to which the Requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations apply, which commence or take place on or after 1 January 2010.
What does a Disability Access Certificate application comprise of ?
Drawings and a report to:
(a) identify and describe the works or building to which the application relates, and
(b) demonstrate how the Building or proposed works comply with the Requirements of Part M of the Building Regulations, in particular in relation to the following, where applicable;
- Approach to a Building
- Access to a Building
- Circulation within a Building
- Use of facilities within a Building
- Bedrooms in hotels and other guest accommodations
- Sanitary conveniences
- Audience or spectator facilities
- Apartments in a building
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Flat rate of €800 per application, made payable to the Local Authority. Surveyors fees for the preparation of the DAC will vary depending on the complexity of the building.