Access to Heritage Sites

Section 29 of the Disability Act 2005 places a statutory obligation on the head of a public body to ensure that the areas of a heritage site that are public are accessible to people with disabilities.

Under the Disability Act 2005, as long as it’s practicable, heritage sites that are open to the public must be accessible for people with disabilities so they can visit them with ease and dignity. The National Disability Authority (NDA) monitors the Code of Practice on Heritage Sites.

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Code of Practice on Accessible Heritage Sites

We developed a Code of Practice on Accessible Heritage Sites under section 30 of the Act and published it as Statutory Instrument No. 484 of 2011.

The Code of Practice was developed to guide public bodies in meeting their statutory obligation under Section 29 of the Act by providing practical advice and examples.

The statutory obligations relating to heritage sites do not apply if it would have a significant adverse effect on the conservation status of a species, habitat or the integrity of a heritage site or if it would compromise the characteristics of the heritage site. No adaptations or modifications of any heritage site can be taken that are contrary to law.

In 2011, the NDA worked with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to create an advice paper on Access: Improving the accessibility of historic buildings and places.

Code of Practice on Accessible Heritage Sites