FAQs

You may view the Frequently Asked Questions page here to see if your question about the Publication Scheme required under the Freedom of Information Act has been answered.

Where can I get more information on FOI?

Further information on FOI is available from:

The Freedom of Information Unit,
Athlumney House
IDA Business Park,
Johnstown,
Navan,
Co Meath

Tel:  353 (46) 9036350

E-mail: foi@garda.ie

The Information Commissioner,
18 Lower Leeson Street,
Dublin 2

Tel: +353 (1) 639 5689

Locall: 1890 253 238

Fax: +353 (1) 639 5674

E-mail: info@oic.gov.ie

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform,
Central Policy Unit,
Floor 3,
7-9 Merrion Row,
Dublin 2

Tel: +353 (1) 631 8258

Fax: +353 (1) 604 5750

E-mail: cpu@per.gov.ie

More comprehensive information on Freedom of Information, including the text of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 is available at www.foi.gov.ie.

Access to Information on the Environment (AIE)

European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007 to 2011 (S.I. No. 133 of 2007 and S.I. No. 662 of 2011) (hereafter referred to as the AIE Regulations), give legal rights to those seeking to access information on the environment from public authorities.

Under these regulations, information relating to the environment held by, or for, a public authority must be made available on request, subject to certain exceptions. The AIE Regulations provide a definition of environmental information; outlines the manner in which requests for information may be submitted to public authorities and the manner in which public authorities are required to deal with requests.

How do I make an AIE application?

When making a request for information under the AIE Regulations, you are required to:

state that the application is being made under the AIE Regulations and submit it in writing or electronic form; provide your contact details; state, in terms that are as specific as possible, the environmental information required, and if you require the information in a specific format or manner of access, you should specify this in your request.

(i) Send your request by email to:

foi@garda.ie

Or;

(ii) Send your request in writing to;

The Freedom of Information Officer
Athlumney House
IDA Business Park
Johnstown
Navan
Co Meath.

Click here to download the online application form. A response will be given no later than 4 weeks upon receipt of request.

If you require any help the staff in the FOI Unit will be happy to assist you in the formulation of your request. You can contact the FOI Office at:

Tel: 353 (46) 9036350

Fees for making an AIE application

• There is no initial fee for making an application under the AIE Regulations. However, the Department may charge a reasonable fee for supplying the information requested. This may include the costs of compiling, copying, printing or posting of information. There is no charge for applying for an internal review.

• It costs €50 euro to take an appeal to the Commissioner for Environmental Information, or €15 euro if you are the holder, or dependent of a holder of a medical card, or a third party appealing the decision to release certain information.