Data Protection

Who we are and why we require your information

Galway County Council is the local authority responsible for the administrative area of County Galway, excluding Galway City. Our mission is to promote the economic, social, and cultural development of the county, while enhancing the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit here.

We are committed to delivering high-quality public services that are responsive to the needs of our citizens, communities, and businesses. This includes the planning, design, and construction of critical infrastructure such as roads, water supply, drainage systems, and social services including housing, fire services, libraries, and burial grounds. We also play a key role in protecting the environment and supporting the county’s industrial, business, heritage, arts, and cultural development.

Why we collect your information

To provide effective and targeted services, Galway County Council must collect, process, and use certain types of information about individuals and organisations. This may include:

• Personal data as defined under the Data Protection Acts and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Information relating to current, past, and future service users
• Data about employees (past, current, and prospective)
• Details of suppliers and contractors
• Communications from members of the public

The type and amount of data we collect depends on the specific service being provided or requested. In some cases, we are also legally required to collect and process personal data to comply with statutory obligations.

Our commitment to Data Protection

Galway County Council is fully committed to protecting your personal data and ensuring your privacy rights are upheld. We handle all personal information in accordance with the principles of data protection law, including:

• Collecting data only for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes
• Ensuring data is accurate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary
• Keeping data secure and confidential
• Retaining data only for as long as necessary
• Respecting your rights to access, correct, or delete your personal data