ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the impact of Freedom of Information on local government in Ireland. It begins by describing the Irish local government context and proceeds by outlining the relevant legislative provisions concerning access to local government information. The impact of FoI and related access provisions on local government is considered through the examination of statistical material relating to the use of such provisions and through exploration of the impact of FoI on local government from the perspective of those involved in administering it. In particular, an attempt is made to determine the extent of the impact of FoI on the three key relationships underpinning local government, those between the executive and the public; the executive and elected members; and the public and elected members.
