Welcome
Carlow Local Authorities provide a broad range of social, infrastructural, regulatory and promotional services. We are very conscious of the need to ensure that our service objectives and strategies are pursued in a manner that produces a high degree of customer satisfaction. We urge you to contact us with your comments.
Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage members of the public to review the frequently asked question lists available below. Please contact the relevant departments with all queries.
Freedom of Information
- What is the Freedom of Information Act ?
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 Carlow County 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 working weeks. All requests must be in writing.
- Can you appeal against Carlow County Council's decision regarding what records you can get under the Freedom of Information Act ?
Yes. If you are not satisfied with a decision, you may ask Carlow County 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 reviews relating to non-personal records cost €75. A reduced fee of €25.00 applies for medical card holders.
- How do you apply to get records from Carlow County Council under the Freedom of Information Act ?
Fill in an application form or write a letter stating what records you are seeking and that you are seeking access under the Freedom of Information Acts. Send it to the address printed below. If you are applying for non-personal records please enclose the appropriate fee. Carlow County Council, Freedom of Information Officer, Athy Road, Carlow Town.
- Will there be a charge in getting Freedom of Information records from Carlow County Council ?
Carlow County Council is obliged to charge for requests for non-personal records. A fee of €15 must accompany your request. A reduced fee of €10 applies if you are the holder of a medical card. In some circumstances you may also be charged a fee for the search and retrieval of records and the cost of photocopying documents. Generally there will not be any charge for requests for personal information.
- Where can you get more information regarding Carlow County Council and the Freedom of Information Act ?
The FOI Acts 1997 and 2003 are available on the government website ( www.irlgov.ie ) or from the Government Publications Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2.
- What Carlow County Council records can you ask for under the Freedom of Information Act ?
Any records relating to you personally regardless of when they were created. All other records created after 21 October 1998.