Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation was enacted on 21st April 1997. It was applied to local authorities and health boards on 21st October 1998. Since the 2014 Act, it has encompassed more public bodies.

The Freedom of Information legislation establishes three statutory rights:

• A legal right for each person to access information held by public bodies
• A legal right for each person to have official information relating to him or her amended where it is incomplete, incorrect or misleading
• A legal right to obtain reasons for decisions affecting oneself

If you want to make an FOI request, you may do so by e-mailing foi@corkcity.ie or write a letter stating what records you are seeking, specifying that the request is being made under the Freedom of Information Act and send to:

Freedom of Information Officer,
Cork City Council,
City Hall,
Cork
Tel:021 4924000

You can also make an online Freedom of Information request. Please click/tap this button to access the online form. You will be required to register on Cork City Council's digital forms platform using your email address.

Apply Online

FOI forms are available to download below or from the reception desk in City Hall.  

FOI-As Gaeilge

FOI-request-form-english

EXPLANATORY NOTES

What is Freedom of Information?

The Freedom of Information Act gives you the right to access records held by Cork City Council.  If you are refused access to records, the Council must give you an explanation.  A decision on your request will be made within four weeks.

What can you ask for?

You can ask for the following records held by Cork City Council:

• any records relating to you personally
• all other records created after 21st October 1998.

Will there be a charge?

• From 16th October, 2014 no initial application fee applies.  In some circumstances you may be charged a fee for the "search and retrieval" of records (€20.00 per hour) and the cost of photocopying documents (4c per page) for requests for personal information.
• There is a maximum of €500 charge where the cost of search, retrieval and copying is greater than €500, but less than €700.
• Where the cost of search, retrieval and copying is greater than €700, we can refuse to process the request.  You will be given the opportunity to refine your request.
• An appeal to the Information Commissioner for non-personal requests costs €50 (€15 for medical card holders).

Can you appeal the decision?

Yes.  If you are not satisfied with a decision you may ask Cork City Council for an internal review of a decision.  This will be conducted by a more senior officer, and will normally be completed within three weeks.  Applications for internal review relating to non-personal records cost €30 (there is a reduced fee for medical card holders).

How do you apply?

Fill in the application form or write a letter stating what records you are seeking, specifying that the request is being made under the Freedom of Information Act and send it to the address printed below:

Freedom of Information Officer,
Cork City Council,
City Hall,
Cork
Tel: 021 - 4924000
E-mail:  foi@corkcity.ie

Applications for Internal Review of FOI decisions should be submitted to:

Director of Services,
Corporate, Community & Cultural Affairs,
Cork City Council,
City Hall,
Cork

Appeals to the Information Commissioner should be made to:

Office of the Information Commissioner,
6 Earlsfort Terrace,
Dublin 2,
DO2 W773
E-mail:  info@oic.ie

An appeal to the information Commissioner for nonpersonal requests cost €50 (€15 for medical card holders).

Where can you get more information?

The Freedom of Information Act 2014 is available on the Government website (www.foi.gov.ie) or from the Government Publications Officer, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.