Access to information on the environment

To make a request for access to information on the environment, you are required to: 

State that the application is being made under the AIE Regulations and submit it in writing or electronic format (info@hia.ie)

provide your contact details

state, in terms that are as specific as possible, the environmental information required, and specify the form and manner of access desired

For more information, please contact: 



Information Officer

Beaux Lane House

Mercer Street Lower

Saint Peter's

Dublin 2

D02 DH60

info@hia.ie



Normally you will be notified of the decision on your request within one month of its receipt. In some cases, due to the complexity or volume of information requested, a response may be sent no later than two months after receipt of the request. You will be informed if this is the case. 

What is the difference between AIE and Freedom to Information (FOI)? 

The Access to Information on the Environment Regulations operate in parallel with the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003. While the two legislative codes are broadly similar (with respect to environmental information), the AIE Regulations and the FOI Acts differ in that a wider range of public authorities are covered by the AIE Regulations than by the FOI legislation. There are also material differences in the grounds under which access to information can be refused under the two legislative codes. 

What can I do if I am unhappy with a decision on my request?

If you consider that your original request for environmental information was refused wholly or partially, or was otherwise not properly dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the AIE Regulations, you may, not later than one month following the receipt of the decision from the HIA, request an internal review of the decision in part or in whole. 



No fee will be charged for the internal review process. 



A written outcome of the review informing you of the decision, the reason for the decision and advising you of your right of appeal to the Commissioner for Environmental Information, including the time limits and fees associated with such an appeal, will be issued to you within one month of the date of receipt of the request. 

Fees

As provided for in the AIE Regulations, there is no initial fee required when lodging a request for information under AIE.

A public authority may, however, charge a reasonable fee for supplying environmental information in accordance with the Regulations, as follows:

If an applicant requires hard copies there may be a fee of €0.04 per sheet depending on the volume of information contained in the request.

A charge of €10.16 applies to the provision of information on CD-ROM.

Fees may be waived where the cost is estimated at less than €10.00.

Where requesters are in a position to view the required documents on site at HIIA offices there will be no charge for accessing these records; however, this is separate to the charges noted above.

Electronic access can be provided to requesters free of charge via email; however, this is separate to the charges noted above.

Details of charges, if any, will be advised in the final decision letter.

Further information

Further general information on the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007-2011 including background information on the legislation, useful publications and links to other relevant bodies is available in the AIE section of the Department of the Environment's website.