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Freedom of Information Publication Scheme

Our Freedom of Information Publication Scheme, as required under Section 8 of the FOI Act, provides details of routinely available information.

Introduction

Galway County Council has prepared and published a Publication Scheme concerning the information of the Council, in conformity with a model and guidelines issued by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014.

The Scheme came into effect on 14 April 2016.

Purpose of the Scheme

The Scheme is designed to facilitate the provision of information to the greatest extent possible, except for information exempted under the Act. In preparing, reviewing, or revising a Publication Scheme, Galway County Council shall have regard to the public interest in:

(a) allowing public access to information held by Galway County Council;
(b) the publication of reasons for decisions made by Galway County Council;
(c) publishing information of relevance or interest to the public in relation to its activities and functions generally.

Scheme Format and Access

The Scheme is web-based, with links to information under six headings as set out below. These will be updated as provided for under the Act.

Information is provided under the following six headings:

A. Information about Galway County Council

Who we are and what we do: organisational information, structures, locations, and contacts.

1. Establishment of Organisation

Galway County Council was established in 1899 under the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898, which introduced a new system of democratic local government across Ireland. The Council assumed many of the administrative responsibilities previously held by the Grand Juries and Boards of Guardians, including roads, housing, public health, and local infrastructure. It serves the administrative area of County Galway (excluding Galway City) and plays a central role in the planning and delivery of essential public services.

2. Roles, Responsibilities, Functions

Galway County Council is the statutory authority responsible for local government in County Galway. Its core functions include the provision and maintenance of essential services such as housing, planning and development, roads and transportation, environmental protection, and community development. The Council also plays a key role in economic development, heritage and tourism promotion, and the delivery of cultural and recreational services. Operating through a system of municipal districts, Galway County Council ensures democratic representation and local decision-making across the county.

3. Governance Arrangements

Governance & Administration

4. Management Arrangements

Management Team

5. Corporate Plan and Strategies

Publications

6. Annual Report

Publications

7. Organisation Structure

Organisation Structure

8. Pay/Grading Structures

In accordance with Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act 2014, details of pay and grading structures applicable to local authorities and public service employees can be accessed via the Department of Public Expenditure’s Circulars Portal:
https://circulars.gov.ie

9. Locations and Contact Details

Contact Details

10. Links to Agencies/Other Bodies Under Galway County Council’s Remit

 

11. Details of Service Level Agreements / Memoranda of Understanding

An SLA exists with Enterprise Ireland for the operation of the Local Enterprise Office, under the County Enterprise Boards (Dissolution) Act 2014. Services are delivered under four headings: Business Information and Advisory Services, Enterprise Support Services, Entrepreneurship Support, and Local Economic Development.

12. Customer Charters

Customer Charter

13. Codes of Practice / Guidelines

Relevant Code

B. Services Provided or to be provided to the Public

The Services We Offer

This section provides details of the functions and services delivered by Galway County Council, including how decisions are made and how the public can access these services.

  • Services provided to the public, including the administration of legislation, schemes, and supports (e.g. grants)
  • How to access these services, including application processes and contact points
  • Costs associated with services, where applicable
  • How services are administered, including responsible departments or teams
  • Review or appeal rights, where available, for decisions made in relation to services
  • Research projects undertaken in support of service delivery or policy development

For more information, please refer to our:

C. Decision Making process for major policy proposals

How We Make Decisions on Policies
Decision-making processes and records of decisions.

  1. Major policy proposals, including any public consultation exercises
    Consult.galway.ie
  2. Background information relating to major policy proposals and decisions
    Consult.galway.ie
  3. Reports on the operation of public services by Galway County Council
    Publications
  4. Expenditure reviews
    Finance Statements
  5. Policy assessments

D. Financial Information

Financial information relating to income and expenditure.

  1. Financial Statements
     Financial Publications
  2. Major Plans for Capital Expenditure
     
  3. Budgets
    Budget

E. Procurement

How We Spend
Information relating to how we procure goods and services.

Note: This information may currently be hosted under the Finance section of the old website. Consider updating or consolidating links for consistency.

F. FOI Disclosure Log and Other Information to be Published Routinely

Contact our Freedom of Information Team

Address

Freedom of Information
Áras an Chontae
Prospect Hill
Co. Galway
H91 H6KX

Phone numbers

Phone
091 509000

Office hours

Sunday Closed
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday Closed