Northern Ireland public authorities use FOIA and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

The Department for Infrastructure publishes dedicated FOI and EIR information, and councils are also public authorities for information-rights purposes.

Use the Planning Register first.

Published application documents, decisions and case information should be checked before making a request. This allows the request to target correspondence, advice or other records that are not already available.

Identify whether the council or Department holds the record.

Local planning functions are generally exercised by councils, while the Department retains specified planning responsibilities. Send the request to the public authority likely to hold the information.

Environmental planning records may be handled under EIR.

Ask for the recorded information needed and allow the authority to apply the correct regime. The EIR provides its own exceptions, public-interest framework and review rights.

Use the internal review and ICO complaint route where necessary.

If the authority withholds information or otherwise fails to comply, follow the response notice and the current ICO procedure before escalating the matter.

Sources and further information

Department for Infrastructure - Freedom of Information

Department for Infrastructure - Environmental Information Regulations

ICO - Guide to the Environmental Information Regulations

ICO - Internal reviews under the Environmental Information Regulations

Last checked: 26 September 2026