General information
When viewing decided case files through our Public Access service, you can take digital photographs of most documents under certain conditions. However, with copyright, privacy and data protection laws, there are restrictions to what you can photograph and how you may use the photographs. It is important to note that any photographs taken must be for the sole purpose of inspection. No other use is permitted.
What can and cannot be photographed?
A digital photograph can be taken of any document in a case file produced by An Coimisiún Pleanála or submitted to us except for items which are covered by copyright restrictions.
Items which cannot be photographed include:
- Any plans, drawings, sketches, photomontages of the proposed development.
- Any maps including Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) maps.
- Documents or information which are marked as copyright protected.
If an item cannot be photographed, you can obtain photocopies of items from our Public Access service. If you are not sure whether or not you can photograph an item on a file, please ask a staff member for advice.
Copyright
All individuals taking photographs through the self-service must follow the Copyright and Related Rights Act, as amended. You are responsible for the photographs you take.
You should note that before you can view a case file, you will be asked to complete and sign a declaration form. This form states that any photograph you take of documents on the case file are strictly for your own personal inspection and for no other use.
It is not permitted for any photograph taken of documents on files using this service to be copied, published, shared, uploaded, or made public by any means (this includes electronic means such as social media or internet). This restriction does not apply to the Board Order, Board Direction or Inspector's Report.
Data Protection
Some documents contained on our files contain personal details. You should note that under General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), you may take digital photographs of records with personal data. The photographs you take are for your personal inspection only of information obtained by An Bord Pleanála in the performance of its statutory functions and which has been archived in the public interest.
Any use outside of this reason will be a breach of GDPR and information obtained must not be copied, published, shared, uploaded, or made public by any means (this includes electronic means such as social media or internet) or used in an unauthorised manner. Information obtained must also be appropriately secured and stored. It must be disposed of appropriately when no longer required.
What devices are allowed?
To take your digital photographs you can use personal cameras, mobile phones, or tablets with camera capability. Camcorders or digi cameras must be in still photography mode only.
Devices are permitted as long as they do not disturb others. They must be in ‘silent’ mode. The use of a flash facility, tripods, or scanning equipment is not permitted.
How to take photographs of documents
You will be asked to sign a declaration form before viewing the file. If you wish to take photographs, ask permission from a staff member. Staff members cannot take photographs of documents for you.
- Respect the order of documents and do not remove anything from the treasury tag.
- Handle the file carefully and turn pages avoid damaging or creasing.
- Only remove documents from one pouch at a time.
- Do not make marks, notes, or place post-its on the documents.
To get the best image, keep the file on the table, ensure the camera is in focus, and do not block the light. If you are not happy with the quality, a photocopying service remains available (charges apply).
Availability and review
We will keep under review the use of self-service photography. An Coimisiún Pleanála may decide to restrict, suspend or withdraw the right to take photographs on certain or all items on any case file without advance notice.
Further Information
The laws and regulations referred to in this document are:
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