# Irish Dwelling Ramp Gradients: TGD M Approach Rules

Use the dwelling approach rules in TGD M Section 3: up to 10 m at 1:15 and up to 5 m on steeper ramps, with landings and clear space.

- Canonical HTML: https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ie/ramps/ramp-gradients/
- Publisher: Chippy Tools
- Updated: 2026-09-06
- Market: ie
- Code edition / reference: TGD Part K (2014) & Part M (2022)
- References: IE TGD K; IE TGD M


## Choose the dwelling rules

For a ramped approach to an Irish dwelling, use TGD M 2022, §3.1.2.4. Its limits differ from the Table 2 rules for other buildings. Do not use Table 2 as the dwelling table.

| Dwelling approach gradient    | Maximum run between level landings |
|-------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| 1:20 to 1:15, including 1:15  | 10 m                               |
| Steeper than 1:15, up to 1:12 | 5 m                                |

Use the shallowest slope the site allows. Landings need at least 1200 mm clear length, outside any door or gate swing. Provide them between flights and at changes of direction. Section 3.1.2.1 sets at least 900 mm clear route width and 2100 mm headroom.

Other requirements still apply, including guarding and rails under TGD K. A stepped route has its own conditions in §3.1.2.5 where a level, gentle or ramped approach is not practicable. Do not treat that as a free choice.

## Worked example

For a 450 mm rise at 1:15, horizontal run is:

450 × 15 = 6750 mm, or 6.75 m.

That is within the dwelling route’s 10 m flight limit. Add the landings and check the whole layout. This sum does not approve the design.

## Sources

- [TGD M 2022, §§3.1.2.1–3.1.2.5, printed pages 150–152](https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/technical-guidance-document-m-access-and-use-2022.pdf).
- [Irish building-code hub](https://www.chippy.tools/building-codes/ie/).

Source checked on 6 September 2026. Confirm the edition and transition rules for the job. This is not a professional access audit.


This page is general information for tradespeople and is not compliance, engineering or legal advice. Requirements are subject to state and territory variations and adoption timing. Always confirm requirements with your building certifier and relevant state authority.