Access to Information on the Environment (AIE)

Access to Information on the Environment (AIE)

Under the Access to Information on the Environment (AIE) Regulations, you have the right to request environmental information from us, even if it’s not usually published or available elsewhere.

This right is provided by the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007–2018.

What Kind of Information Can You Ask For?

There are six main types of environmental information you can request:

1. The condition of the environment
   Includes air, water, soil, land, landscape, and biodiversity (plants and animals).
2. Things that affect the environment
   Such as energy use, noise, radiation, waste, and other substances released into the environment.
3. Actions taken to protect the environment
   Covers policies, laws, plans, programmes, and environmental agreements.
4. Reports on how environmental laws are being followed
5. Studies and data used to support environmental protection measures
6. How the environment affects people and places
   Including human health, safety, the food chain, cultural sites, and buildings — where these are impacted by environmental factors.

How to Make an AIE Request

To request environmental information under the AIE Regulations:

• Clearly state that your request is being made under the AIE Regulations
• Describe the environmental information you are looking for as clearly as possible
• Let us know how you would like to receive the response — by post or email
• Include your contact details
• Submit your request in writing, either by post or email

Where to send your AIE request:

📬 By post:
The County Secretary
Galway County Council
Áras an Chontae
Prospect Hill
Galway

📧 By email:
aie@galwaycoco.ie

What Happens Next?

• We will acknowledge receipt of your request within two weeks
• We will make a decision within four weeks

Is There a Fee?

There is no initial fee for making an application under the AIE Regulations.

Charges for search, retrieval and copying:

• Search and retrieval of records: €20 per hour
• Photocopying: €0.04 per sheet

AIE Appeal Process

Can You Appeal an AIE Decision?

Yes. You may seek an internal review of the Council’s initial decision if:

• You are dissatisfied with the initial decision
• You have not received a reply within one month of the initial application
• You are dissatisfied with the internal review decision
• You have not received a reply to the request for internal review

Internal Review Details:

• Must be submitted in writing within one month of the initial decision or the date the decision was due
• No fee applies
• Reviews are carried out by a more senior officer and normally completed within three weeks

Can You Appeal the Internal Review Decision?

Yes. You may seek an independent review through the Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information.

• Requests must be made in writing within six months of receiving notification of our decision
• Fee: €50 (or €15 for medical card holders)

Appeals in writing may be made to:

Office of the Commissioner for Environmental Information
6 Earlsfort Terrace
Dublin 2, D02 W773

📞 Tel: 01 6395689
📧 Email: info@ocei.ie