Freedom of Information

What is Freedom of Information?
The Freedom of Information Act came into effect on 21 April 1998.This Act gives you the right to request access to records held by Met Éireann. You do not have to give a reason as to why you want to see any records. You are entitled to an explanation if you are not given what you ask for. A decision on your application must normally be made within 4 weeks.

What can I ask for?
You can ask for the following records held by Met Éireann:

• Any records relating to you personally, whenever created


• All other records created after 21 April, 1998

*Note: A "record" can be a paper document, information held on computer, printouts, maps, plans, microfilm, microfiche, audio-visual material, etc.)
Access to the personal information of another requires the written consent of that person.

Can I appeal against the decision?
Yes. If you are not satisfied with the decision on an FOI request you may ask for "internal review" of the decision. A more senior officer will review your application. You will be informed of the result of this review within 3 weeks. If you are not satisfied with the decision on "internal review", you may ask the Information Commissioner to review the matter.

Do I have to pay for the information?
'Upfront' fees charged as follows:

• A fee of EUR15 (EUR10 for medical card holders) must
  accompany all applications for non-personal information prescribed FOI
  application fees. Freedom of Information Fees


• In respect of personal records, fees to cover the cost of
  copying the records requested will not apply, except where a large number of
  records are involved.


• In respect of non-personal information, fees may also be
  charged in respect of the time spent in efficiently locating and copying
  records. No charges may apply in respect of the time spent in considering requests.

The FOI Act provides for other fees as follows in respect of
search/retrieval and copying of records released:

• €20.95 per hour as a search and retrieval fee
• €0.04 per sheet for a photocopy
• €0.51 for a three and a half inch computer diskette
  containing copy documents
• €10.16 for a CD-ROM containing copy documents
• €6.35 for a radiograph (X-ray) containing copy documents

A deposit may be payable where the total fee is likely to exceed €50.79.
In these circumstances, every effort will made to assist the requester to
amend the request to reduce or eliminate the amount of the fees payable.

Charges for search and retrieval and copying of records may be waived in the
following circumstances:

• where the cost of collecting and accounting for the fee
  would exceed the amount of the fee
• where the information would be of particular assistance to
  the understanding of an issue of national importance, or,
• in the case of personal information, where such charges
  would not be reasonable having regard to the means of the requester.

If you think that the fee is too high you can appeal to the Information Commissioner. Alternatively you have the option of narrowing the scope of your request with a view to reducing or eliminating the fee.

The Minister for Finance has made regulations under the Freedom of Information Act setting out the maximum amount of charges, which can be applied. These regulations are available at FOI regulations 2014.

How do I make a request to Met Éireann for access to information under the Freedom of Information Act?
Write to FOI Officer, Met Éireann, Glasnevin Hill, Dublin 9, stating clearly the information that you require and that you are requesting the information in accordance with Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act 1997.

For further information
A booklet explaining the application and appeal procedure is available from Met Éireann, Glasnevin Hill, Dublin 9, or you can download a PDF version . The Freedom of Information Act is available from the Government Publications Sales Office, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. It can also be downloaded by clicking here FOI Act 1997.

Met Éireann FOI Contact: