Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2014

The Freedom of Information Act 2014 gives individuals the legal right to:

• access records held by FOI bodies,
• have personal information held on them corrected or updated where such information is incomplete, incorrect or misleading;
• be given a reason for decisions taken by the public body that affects them.

You can ask for the following records held by Galway City Council:

• Any records relating to you personally, regardless of when they were created.
• All other records created after 21st October 1998.

Your valid request must be acknowledged within two weeks and a decision made within 4 weeks. However, there are some instances when the process can take longer than 4 weeks and you will be advised in writing of same.

No initial application fee applies.

In some circumstances, you may also be charged a fee for the "search and retrieval" of records, the cost of photocopying documents and postage (if you wish printed records to be sent to you) for requests for non-personal information.

If the cost of search, retrieval and copying is €101 or less, no charge is applied. If the charge exceeds €101, full fees apply. The maximum charge applied for a request is €500.

If the estimated cost of search, retrieval and copying is more than €700 the body can refuse to process your request, unless you refine your request to bring the search, retrieval and copying fees below this limit.

Yes. If you are not satisfied with a decision you may ask Galway City Council for an internal review of a decision within four weeks of the initial decision. This will be conducted by a more senior officer, and will normally be completed within three weeks. Applications for internal review relating to non-personal records cost €30 (there is a reduced fee of €10.00 for medical card holders). The fee must be paid to the FoI body before the appeal may proceed.

The Freedom of Information Act 2014 is available on the Government website (www.foi.gov.ie) or from the Government Publications Office on 016476834 or publications@opw.ie .

1. Submit an email to foi@GalwayCity.ie specifying that the request is being made under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 along with the details of the records you are requesting.

2. Complete a Request for Access to Records under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 application form and send it to the postal address below or email to foi@GalwayCity.ie 

3. Write a letter stating what records you are seeking, specifying that the request is being made under the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and send it to the address below.

Freedom of Information Officer,
Galway City Council,
City Hall,
College Road,
Galway

Email: foi@galwaycity.ie  
Telephone: 091-536400

Applications for an Internal Review of FOI decisions should be submitted to:

Senior Executive Officer,
Corporate Services,
Galway City Council,
City Hall,
College Road,
Galway.

Email: foi@galwaycity.ie 
Telephone: 091-536400

Appeals to the Information Commissioner should be made to:

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

Email: info@oic.ie 

Telephone: 01-6395689

Publication Scheme under Freedom of Information Act, 2014

Introduction:

Galway City Council has prepared and will publish a Publication Scheme concerning the information of the Council in conformity with a Model and Guidelines made by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under Section 8 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2014.

The Scheme comes into effect on the 14th April, 2016.

Purpose of Scheme:

The Scheme is designed to facilitate the provision of information to the greatest extent possible, except for information exempted under the Act and, in preparing, reviewing or revising a Publication Scheme, an FOI body shall have regard to the public interest in:

(a) allowing public access to information held by the FOI body;

(b) the publication of reasons for decisions made by the FOI body; and

(c) publishing information of relevance or interest to the general public in relation to its activities and functions generally.

Scheme Format and Access:

The Scheme is web based with links from it to information under six headings as set out in the menu items on the left of this page which will be updated as provided for under the Act. A hard copy will be available for viewing by appointment also.

1. Information About the FOI Body

Establishment of Galway City Council

Galway Corporation was founded in 1485 by the Tribes of Galway via a Charter of Mayoralty granted to the town in December 1484 by King Richard III of England. The council was dissolved in 1841 and replaced with the Galway Urban District Council. In 1937 it was revived as a borough and in 1986 was raised to the status of a county borough when it was renamed Galway City Council.

Roles, responsibilities and functions

Galway City Council, as a local authority, performs two roles: Representational Role and Operational / Executive Role. For further information visit:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/your-council/council-mayor-information

Governance/Management arrangements

There are 18 elected members who are elected from three local electoral areas: They provide a fundamental role of democratically elected local government and representation of local communities, voicing local concerns and responding to local needs.
For further information on your local Councillors visit:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/your-council/council-mayor-information

The Management Team performs an Executive / Operational Role for Galway City Council and it is made up of 5 key staff members.
For further information visit:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/city-manager-team

Corporate Plan

In 2014 a Corporate Plan was prepared which runs for a 5 year period. The plan provides a strategic framework within which the combined efforts of the elected members and staff can work together to achieve the objectives set out in the plan having regard to the mission statement and core values of Galway City Council.
For further information on the current Corporate Plan from 2014 - 2019 visit:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/publications/?filter=corporate%20plan

Annual Report

In addition to the Corporate Plan which runs for 5 years Galway City Council also publish an Annual Report. The Annual Report records progress, and outlines achievements, across the full spectrum of Galway City Council's activities in the calendar year.
For further information on the 2015 Annual Report visit:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/publications/?filter=annual%20report

Locations and contact details for Galway City Council

The search facility on Galway City Council's website is designed to provide customers with information on the most frequently asked questions we receive from our customers. Customers can also contact Galway City Council by phone.
For further information visit:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/contact-us

Links to agencies/other bodies under Galway City Council's FOI remit

Irish Water Service Level Agreement and Annual Service Plan

Galway City Council has a Service Level Agreement & Annual Service Plan with Irish Water in relation to the provision of water and waste water services. This ASP is provided for in the Service Level Agreement agreed between the parties under the Water Services (no 2) Act, 2013, and facilitates the local provision of water and waste water services in partnership with Irish Water.

Service Level Agreement between Enterprise Ireland and Galway City & County Council

A Service Level Agreement between Enterprise Ireland and Galway City & County Council was signed on the 3rd March 2014. For further information visit:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/publications/?filter=Service%20Level%20Agreement%20between%20Enterprise%20Ireland%20and%20Galway%20City

Customer Charter

If you wish to make a complaint about the quality of service you have received then you may phone or ask to speak to the Officer in charge of the area to which the complaint refers.
For further information visit:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/complaints-appeals/

Codes of Practice

In January 2003 a new ethics framework came into operation governing the ethics and codes of conduct of local authority members.
For further information, please visit:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/ethics-doi-information/

2. Functions and Public Services Provided or to be provided

Galway City Council provide a large number of various services to the public. These include Planning, Housing, Water services, Traffic, Transport & Parking, Environment, Litter & Waste, Recreation & Leisure, Community, Culture & Business Services.

For more detailed information on the services we provide, how they can be accessed, how much services cost or appeal rights relating to such services visit:

Planning

• Building Control

• Heritage & Conservation

• Planning Application Process

• Unauthorised Development

• Development Contribution Scheme

• Local Area Plans

• Planning Lists

• Development Plan Policy

• Online Planning Enquiry System

• Pre-Planning Queries

For more information please visit: http://www.galwaycity.ie/planning

Housing

• Estate Management

• Housing Maintenance

• Long Term Leasing - Tenants

• Social Housing

• Home Improvement Grants

• Housing Rents

• RAS - Landlords

• Social Inclusion

• Homeless Services

• Long Term Leasing - Landlords

• RAS - Tenants

• Traveller Accommodation

For more information please visit: http://www.galwaycity.ie/housing

Water Services

• Irish Water

• Severe Weather

• Water Supply

• Commercial Water Charges

• Water Conservation

• Water Quality

• Drainage

• Water Leaks

• Water & Wastewater Quality Results

For more information please visit: http://www.galwaycity.ie/water

Traffic, Transport & Parking

• Disabled Parking

• Parking Permits

• Road Signage/Markings

• N6 Galway City Transport Project

• Road Permits & Licences

• Transport Initiatives

• Parking in Galway City

• Road Maintenance

• Winter Service Plan 2014/2015

For more information please visit: http://www.galwaycity.ie/traffic-transport/parking

Environment, Litter & Waste

• Access to Information on Environment

• Cemeteries

• Dog Owners

• Grants & Funding

• Beaches

• Community Initiatives

• Litter and Illegal Dumping

• Vehicles

• Casual Trading

• Derelict Sites

• Waste & Recycling

For more information please visit: http://www.galwaycity.ie/environment-litter-waste

Recreation & Leisure

• Allotments

• Playgrounds

• Tree & Hedge Maintenance

• Beaches

• Public Parks

• Community & Recreation Centres

• Public Walk Ways

• Sports & Recreation

For more information please visit: http://www.galwaycity.ie/recreation-leisure

Business

• Economic Development Unit

• Commercial Rates & Landlords

• Local Property Tax

• Supplier of Goods/Services

• Budget & Financials

• Green Business

• Making Payments

• pointofsinglecontact.ie

• Commercial Rates

• Local Economic and Community Plan

• Receiving Payment

• Property Entry Levy

For more information please visit: http://www.galwaycity.ie/business

Community & Culture

• Artists in Residence

• Comhairle na nÓg

• Mayor's Awards

• Arts Office

• Community Festival Grants

• Social Inclusion

• City Museum

• Galway Sports Partnership

• Theatres & Performance Venues

For more information please visit: http://www.galwaycity.ie/community-culture

Your Council

• Access to Information on Environment

• Council Meetings

• Mayor of Galway City

• Higher Education Grants

• Management Team

• Reuse of Public Sector Information

• Register of Electors

• Customer Services

• Council Members

• Freedom of Information

• Town Twinnings

• Contact Us

• Ethics and Declaration of Interest

• Groups and Committees

• Libraries

• Report it

For more information please visit: http://www.galwaycity.ie/your-council/

C. Decision Making procedures

Council Meetings

The City Council Monthly Meetings take place in City Hall at 4.00 pm on the second Monday of every month.

For further information view:

http://www.galwaycity.ie/council-meetings-details/

Strategic Policy Committees

A central element to the Reform of the Local Government System (under the programme "Better Local Government - A Programme for Change" 1990) was the establishment of Strategic Policy Committees (SPC's) in each Local Authority.

For further information view:

http://www.galwaycity.ie/your-council/strategic-policy-committees-information/

Major policy proposals including any public consultation exercises

Road Improvements & Major Schemes

N6 Galway City Transport Project

Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority are collaborating in developing a transport vision for Galway where all elements of transport are working together to achieve and integrated sustainable solution. For further information visit:

www.n6galwaycity.ie

Park and Stride

Galway City Council working in partnership with An Taisce Green Schools, City Centre schools and local businesses seeks your support to rollout our Park'n'Stride Scheme in Galway City.

For further information view:

www.galwaycity.ie/park-n-stride-2/

Galway to Dublin Cycleway

Galway City Council along with the NRA, Galway County Council and the Local Authorities in Roscommon, Westmeath, Meath, Kildare & Dublin are developing a Greenway for Cyclists and Walkers where they will be able to go between Galway and Dublin without using roads.

For further information view:

http://www.galwaytodublincycleway.ie

Background information relating to major policy proposals and decisions

Galway City Draft Development Plan 2017- 2023

The Draft City Development Plan 2017-2023 sets out the vision and overall strategy for the future sustainable development of Galway City in relation to issues such as Economic Development; Housing; Transportation; Commercial activity; Parks and Recreation; Biodiversity; Arts, Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Social and Community Development. It provides the strategic framework to guide and manage development, both in the short and longer term. For further information view:

http://www.galwaycity.ie/development-plan-2017-2023

 Ardaun Local Area Plan

The proposed Ardaun Local Area Plan is at pre-draft stage. Consultation is on-going and a variety of methods are being used in order to engage directly with the public, stakeholder bodies and landowners. This includes workshops, meetings/presentations, street conversations, and individual consultations.

For further information view:

www.galwaycity.ie/local-area-plans/local-area-plans-information

Local Economic and Community Plan

A draft version of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) is available. Please note that the LECP is currently a work in progress, for further information view:

www.galwaycity.ie/lecp

Galway City Cultural Strategy

Details of Galway City Council Cultural Strategy will be published shortly.

Galway 2020- European Capital of Culture Bid

Galway is bidding to become the European Capital of Culture in 2020. The bid represents an opportunity for us to come together as a community, to reflect on the uniqueness of our Galway culture and the richness, vitality and diversity of our shared European culture.

For further information please view:

www.galway2020.ie

Galway City Age Friendly Strategy 2014 - 2019

As a member county of Ireland's Age Friendly initiative, the Galway Age Friendly City and County programme was launched on the 27th September, 2011. For further information view:

http://www.galwaycity.ie/publications/?filter=Age%20Friendly%20Strategy

Reports on the operation of public services by the FOI body

Local Government Statutory Audit Report of Galway City Council for the Year ended 31st December, 2014.

For further information view:

http://www.galwaycity.ie/publications/?filter=Statutory%20Audit%20Report%20of%20Galway%20City%20Counci

D. Financial Information

What Galway City Council spend

Financial information relating to income and expenditure

Financial statements

Details on the Revenue Income and Expenditure for Galway City Council are contained in most recent Budget Document:

http://www.galwaycity.ie/budgets-statements/?filter=Annual%20Budget

The Annual Financial Statement

The latest Annual Financial Statement is available for viewing.
For further information view:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/budgets-statements/?filter=afs

Major plans for Capital Expenditure

Payments or Purchase Orders for goods and services

Details on a quarterly basis, of payments or purchase orders for goods and services.
For further information view:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/budgets-statements/?filter=Prompt%20Payment%20Report

Purchase Orders over €20,000

In compliance with Circular Fin 07/2012 all Purchase Orders in excess of €20,000 are published on a quarterly basis.
For further information view: Purchase Orders over €20,000 under Suppliers/Goods/Services

Governance Board Member remuneration

This relates to the representational payments made to Elected Members and to their annual expense details.
For further information view:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/councillor-payments/

E. Procurement

National Public Procurement

The National Public Procurement Policy Unit (NPPPU) was established in June 2002 as part of the Department of Finance to (i) formulate policy, (ii) disseminate advice and best practice experience on procurement to the Irish public sector in order to improve its procurement capacity and (iii) deliver the Government's eProcurement strategy.
For further information view:
http://www.procurement.ie

Procurement in Galway City Council

The Procurement Section in the Finance Department has a co-ordinating role in ensuring that there is an organisational focus on good practice in purchasing and that procedures are in place to achieve value for money and to ensure high standards of openness, transparency and compliance with all relevant public procurement guidelines and legislation.
For further information view:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/procurement

Responding to Tenders

Galway City Council will advertise all available tenders on the etenders website where contact details in relation to the specifics of individual tenders are also available.
For further information view:
http://www.etenders.gov.ie/

Public contracts awarded over €10k for ICT and over €25k for all other contracts.

Details of public contracts awarded from 14/04/16 will be published in the near future

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

Council Meeting Minutes

For further information on the minutes and agendas for council meetings view:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/council-meetings/

Council Planning Lists

For further information on the weekly Planning Lists view:
http://www.galwaycity.ie/planning-lists/

Quarterly Disclosure Log of Requests

Background to Disclosure Logs:

Guidelines issued to Freedom of Information (FOI) bodies, including Galway City Council, provide that a Disclosure Log be made available on a quarterly basis of requests made to it under the Freedom of Information Act, 2014.

Galway City Council is now providing its Disclosure Log from 1st January 2016.

It gives details of all Non - Personal FOI requests received, including:

The date of receipt of the Request,

Details of Request,

Category of Requester; journalist, client, other,

Decision type: Full grant, Partial grant or Refusal,

Date decision was made.