Freedom of Information


The Freedom of Information Act 1997 was amended in April 2003 and on the 1st July, 2003 the Minister for Finance announced details of fees to be charged under the Freedom of Information Act as follows:

  • €15 for original request
  • €75 for internal review
  • €150 for review by the information commissioner.

The Minister made provision for discounts to be granted to holders of medical card or their dependents.

The main elements of the Act are as follows:-

  • Publication of Information
  • Access to records
  • Amendment of Records
  • Access to reasons
  • Rights of review

What Records Can Be Requested?
All records created after the Act commences, i.e. 21st October 1998. All personal records of clients whenever created. All records of staff created after the 21st October 1995, or earlier if used adversely against a staff member. Earlier records of any type, if needed to understand later records which are accessed.

Information Routinely Available
Information in relation to the Local Authority is also available routinely through documents such as Annual Reports, Development Plans, Information Leaflets and other policy documents which need not be the subject of requests under the Freedom of Information Act. If you require any information please do not hesitate to enquire whether this information can be made available without resorting to the use of the Freedom of Information Act.

Freedom of Information Requests
Requests under the Act must be made in writing, should set out clearly the information sought and state that the information is being sought under the Freedom of Information Act, and should be addressed to the Freedom of Information Officer, South Tipperary County Council, County Hall, Clonmel. Requests must be acknowledged within two weeks and a decision must normally be made within 20 consecutive days excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Exempt Records
Certain records can be exempt from access under the Act under certain conditions. Examples include: - personal information of third parties, confidential information, commercially sensitive information.During 2005 the following requests were made to South Tipperary group of local authorities:

South Tipperary County Council 25
Clonmel Borough Council 6
Carrick-on-Suir 1
Cashel Town Council 0
Tipperary Town Council 1
Total 33

Contact Details

Mary Carroll (Administrative Officer)
Address: Corporate Affairs Section, Co Hall, Emmet Street, Clonmel
Tel: 052 6134590
Email: mary.carroll@southtippcoco.ie
Web Address: www.southtippcoco.ie