Public access to environmental information is governed by the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations, 1993. I have no functions in relation to decisions of public authorities under the regulations but a person who considers that a request for information has been unreasonably refused or inadequately answered by a local authority may seek a judicial review or submit the case to the Ombudsman.
I recently published a review of the first year of operation of the regulations, however, which acknowledged the need for improvements in the arrangements for access to environmental information. Arising from the review and from relevant Government commitments in this area, I have made new regulations extending access to planning appeal and integrated pollution control licensing documents. I am also considering a number of amendments to the Access to Information on the Environment Regulations.
The provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992, enabling the agency to supervise the environmental activities of local authorities, and to provide general support and assistance to authorities for the purposes of environmental protection, are already in force.
