Access to Environmental Information
Applications for Information under ‘Access to Information on the Environment’.
Coillte is subject to Directive 2003/4/EC of the European Parliament and Council on Public Access To Environmental Information . This regulation provides that, subject to certain exceptions, information relating to the environment held by, or for, a public authority must be made available on request to any person.
How to access information from Coillte:
Where possible, Coillte will release information of most interest to the public through its website. Therefore, if you are seeking information held by Coillte, you should first check the Coillte website to see if the information you require is contained on the site. If you cannot find what you need on the Coillte website, you can apply Coillte for the information.
How do I request information from Coillte?
Requests should be made in writing (including email). An electronic form is available below to assist you in providing us with information we need to process the request as quickly as possible. In certain circumstances you may be required to pay a fee before the information can be provided.
If you are uncertain of how to make a request or want guidance on the information held by Coillte, you can contact Tom Byrne at Tom.Byrne@coillte.ie or at 01-2011111
When requesting information please include the following details:
- your name and address
- the information or documents you would like to access; and
- the way you would like the information to be sent to you (for example as hard copy, via email, etc.).
How long will it take to get information from Coillte?
The legislation requires us to respond to your request for information as soon as possible after it is received, and not later than one month after the date of receipt. This timescale may occasionally have to be extended for a further month if the information requested is very extensive and therefore takes a long time to gather, or if we have to consider if providing it is in the public interest, or if we are waiting for you to pay a fee.
It will help us to process your request more quickly if you can be as specific as possible about what information you want. If necessary, we will contact you to ensure we understand your request clearly and this may add to the time we need to respond. It is also important to tell us whether you want the information sent to you on paper or by email, and whether you have any particular requirements.
For more information please contact:
Schedule of Charges Associated with AIE Requests
45.00 per hour for search and retrieval
0.04 per sheet for a b&w photocopy
0.15 per sheet for a colour A4
2.50 per A3 colour map
15.00 for a CD-Rom
1/3 reduction in fees for medical card holders (on production of evidence)
Deposit payable where estimated cost of search and retrieval is estimated to exceed €65.
AIE Appeals Procedure
Internal Appeal
If you are dissatisfied with the response to your request for information, you have a right to have your request reviewed by someone other than the original recipient. In Coillte’s case such an appeal can be forwarded to Tony Hennessy, Deputy Company Secretary, Litigation Division, Coillte, Woodford Business Park, Santry, Dublin 17. Tony.hennessy@coillte.ie. Phone: 01 - 8628494
External Appeal
There is also a right of external appeal to the Office of the Information Commissioner who also oversees and enforces the Access to Environmental Act.
Useful Links:
AIE Regulations - Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government
Irish FOI Site - Department of Finance
Office of the Information Commissioner
