RADAR keys are available to everyone who needs access to some public toilets throughout Northern Ireland. Below is some detail about the RADAR scheme.
The National Key Scheme, sometimes known as the RADAR Scheme, was developed because some public toilets designed for disabled people had to be locked to prevent damage and misuse (for example Changing Places facilities). This has been countered by their being locked separately from other toilets. The NKS aims to provide disabled key holders with independent access to the toilets provided for them and increase the likelihood of the facilities being in a useable state.
A RADAR key is a Skeleton key that opens more than 9,000 disabled toilets in the UK. Toilets fitted with RADAR or NKS locks can now be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafes, department stores, bus and train stations and many other locations in most parts of the country. Contact your local council if you need one – see links below.
Ards & North Down Council (no RADAR Key Scheme information found)
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council (scroll down to Facilities & Services/Radar Keys)
Causeway Coast & Glens Council
Derry City & Strabane Council (Community Toilet Scheme)
Newry & Mourne Council (RADAR Key Information at bottom of page)
Changing Places (map & journey planner)
Information as available on 25 Aug 2025