Freedom of Information (FOI) Request

How to get information under the Freedom of Information Act 2014

Applications must be in writing and should indicate that the information is sought under the Freedom of Information Act. To facilitate access, a person may complete the attached form entitled ‘Request for Access to Records under the Freedom of Information Act 2014’. Please give as much detail as possible to enable the staff of the office to identify the record. If you have difficulty in identifying the precise records which you require, the staff of the office will be happy to assist you in preparing your request.

An Bord Pleanála is obliged to respond to the request within four weeks. Requests are due to be acknowledged within two weeks.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, anyone is entitled to apply to An Bord Pleanála for access to information that is held by it and not otherwise publicly available. Each person has a right to:

• access to records held by An Bord Pleanála,
• correction of personal information relating to oneself held by An Bord Pleanála where it is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading,
• access to reasons for decisions made by An Bord Pleanála directly affecting oneself.

The following records come within the scope of the Act:

• all records relating to personal information held by An Bord Pleanála irrespective of when created,
• all other records created from the 21st April, 1998,
• any other records necessary to the understanding of a current record.

The right of access does not apply to “exempt records” which are specified in detail in the Act.

The Act does not apply to records already publicly available. For example, an appeal determined by An Bord Pleanála is available for purchase/inspection under An Bord Pleanála’s public access system.

Applications under the Freedom of Information Act

Applications for information under the Freedom of Information Act should be addressed to:

Freedom of Information Officer,
An Bord Pleanála,
64 Marlborough Street,
Dublin 1.
Phone (01) 858 8100
Fax (01) 872 2684
Email foi@pleanala.ie

• No fee applies when making an FOI request.

Charges for Search, Retrieval and Copying of Records

Charges may be applied by An Bord Pleanála for the time spent finding and retrieving records, and for any copying costs incurred in providing you with the material requested. It is very unlikely that any charges will be applied in respect of personal records, except where a large number of records are involved.

If the cost of search, retrieval and copying is €100 or less, no charge is applied. If the charge exceeds €100, full fees apply. You cannot be charged more than €500.

If the estimated cost of search, retrieval and copying is more than €700 An Bord Pleanála can refuse to process your request to bring the search, retrieval and copying fees below this limit.