Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information

'Freedom of Information' allows public access to information not routinely available through any other source.

What information can be accessed under the Freedom of Information Act?
Subject to exemptions, the Act gives right of access to the following records held by Waterford City & County Council:

All records created after the date the Act came into effect, 21 October, 1998.

Records created before that date if they are needed to understand records created after it.

Personal records, no matter when created.

Personnel records created from 21 October 2005 (three years before the Act came into effect) may be accessed by the individual to whom the records relate.

The Act does not apply to routinely available information, such as leaflets, public notices and publications advertised in the press. This information will continue to be freely available and so does not require access to be sought under Freedom of Information.

Information available under other legislation, such as planning and environmental information, is also excluded from the Freedom of Information Act. Your right to this information under other legislation will not change.

How do I make a request?
You must make a request in writing and state that the information is sought under the Freedom of Information Act. To help us deal with your request as quickly as possible, please be as specific as possible. Requests sent by fax or e-mail may need to be verified. If you want the information in any particular form, for example photocopy or computer disc, please indicate this in your request.

How long does a request take to process?
We will acknowledge your request within two weeks of receiving it and will issue a decision on it within four weeks unless an extension, of up to four weeks, is agreed.

An Internal Review may be sought if you:

are dissatisfied with the initial response received, for example refusal of information, form of access, charges and so on

or

have not received a reply within four weeks of your initial application

What can I do if I am not happy with the decision on internal review?
If you are unhappy with the decision by the Internal Reviewer or if you have not received a reply within three weeks of submitting your request, you may ask for an independent review by the Information Commissioner.

Appeals should be directed to: Office of the Information Commissioner, 18 Lower Lesson Street, Dublin 2.

Phone: 1890 223030
Email: info@oic.ie

You must include a fee of €50.00 with your request. A reduced fee of €15 applies if you are covered by a medical card or in relation to a review concerning third party information. There is no fee for review applications concerning only personal information relating to oneself or in relation to decisions to impose fees or deposits.

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