Dublin footpaths and public spaces not fit for visually impaired residents – O’Connell

People with visual impairments are at risk of injury on many of Dublin’s footpaths and shared spaces, a Fine Gael Deputy has said.

Deputy Maeve O’Connell said that people with visual impairments are rarely included in planning for the capital’s urban roads and streets, and that needs to change.

Deputy O’Connell said: “The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets (DMURS) sets out plans, regulations and guidelines for local authorities when it comes to modifying streets or constructing new cycle lanes across Dublin city. This was last reviewed in 2019 and shamefully, includes little reference to our capital’s population who are visually impaired.

“Throughout this 165-page document, people with visual impairments are rarely included, and where they are, the guidelines are not strong enough. There are a few recommendations for how designs can incorporate those with visual impairments and guide dogs, however these recommendations are by no means mandatory, which is not good enough.

“With the increasing prominence of shared spaces, shared footpaths, and new cycle lanes popping up across Dublin, it is critical that we take action to protect those who are vulnerable.

“Guide Dogs are expertly trained and know the difference between a footpath and roads used by cars. However now we see more and more footpaths divided into cycle lanes by little more than a painted white line, which can be perilous for anyone walking the streets with a visual impairment.”

“Encouraging sustainable travel is hugely important. However, to do so we need to make sure that our streets at safe. To make sure that everyone, regardless of ability, can confidently walk to the shops, walk to work or to wherever they need to go.

“I have written to the Minister for Transport to ask for review the Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets. Local authorities need stronger directives in place to ensure that all of our citizens’ safety is provided for on our streets and cycle lanes, so they can move freely and independently without risk.”