Freedom Of Information (FOI) Act 2014
Explanatory Notes
What is Freedom Of Information?
The Freedom of Information Act came into effect for Local Authorities on 21st October 1998. This 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 normally be made within four weeks.
What can you ask for?
You can ask for the following records held by Cork City Council:
Will there be a charge?
From 16th October, 2014 no initial application fee applies.
In some circumstances you may also be charged a fee for the “search and retrieval” of records (€20 per hour) and the cost of photocopying documents (4c per page) for requests for non-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 (5 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 of €10.00 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 Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.
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 Acts and send it to the address printed below.
Freedom of Information Officer,
Cork City Council
City Hall
Cork.
Tel: 021-4924000
Email: foi@corkcity.ie
Applications for Internal Review of FOI decisions should be submitted to:
Director of Services,
Corporate Affairs and International Relations,
Cork City Council,
City Hall,
Cork.
alternatively email: corporateaffairs@corkcity.ie
Appeals to the Information Commissioner should be made to:
Information Commissioner
Office of the Information Commissioner,
6 Earlsfort Terrace,
Dublin 2.
DO2 W773
Tel: 01-6395689
Email: info@oic.ie
