A newly published report has found that a lack of focus on disability within local authorities has weakened the role of access officers, who are responsible for assisting disabled people in accessing public services.
The research, “Bridging the Gap“, commissioned by the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), examined how local authorities are implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UN CRPD) and identified “persistent challenges” at local government level, where many disability services and supports are delivered.
The study found that many access officers—who are legally required to provide or coordinate assistance for disabled people—are not in full-time roles, with their responsibilities often treated as an “add-on” to other duties. Many officers also lack a clear job description, reducing their effectiveness in advocating for accessibility within local authorities.
Challenges in Local Implementation
Surveys conducted as part of the research revealed that:
- 45% of access officers and 38% of chief executives from local authorities responded.
- Many access officers are part-time and lack formal training, limiting their ability to perform their duties effectively.
- There are gaps in engagement with disabled people, with some local authorities having strong networks while others have minimal consultation processes.
- Lack of funding was cited as a major barrier, with no dedicated budgets for accessibility projects.
Despite reforms over the past decade, the report highlights that Ireland remains one of the most centralised countries in Europe, with local authorities having limited control over public spending. The research also noted a power imbalance between elected councillors and chief executives, further complicating decision-making on disability-related issues.
Calls for Action
The report’s authors, Dr. Charles O’Mahony and Dr. Mary Keogh, recommend a series of measures to address these challenges, including:
- Strengthening compliance with the Disability Act and improving accountability.
- Providing full-time access officers with clear roles, proper training, and funding.
- Developing national guidelines and best practice models to support local authorities in meeting their UN CRPD obligations.
The findings emphasize the urgent need for stronger policies and greater investment in disability inclusion at a local level to ensure equal access to public services for disabled people.
For full research report click HERE.