NORTHERN-IRELAND
LGA (NI) 2014
Formally: Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014
LGA (NI) 2014 c. 8, Part 5 (ss. 42–64), Sch. 6; NISR 2024/140
Sunshine Score
| Advance Notice | 3 days, online posting required |
|---|---|
| Public Comment | Not required |
| Closed Sessions | 10 permitted categories |
| Minutes | Required |
| Recording | Required |
| Remote Participation | Allowed |
| Enforcement | Voidable, legislature exempt |
Agenda & Notice Requirements
Online posting: Required
Notice of meetings must be given at least 5 clear days before the meeting (stricter than England/Scotland's 3 days). Agenda and supporting papers must be available for inspection at the council's offices and published on the council's website.
Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed
Public Participation
No statutory right for members of the public to speak at council meetings. Public attendance rights only.
Virtual Meetings
Local Government (Remote Meetings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024 (NISR 2024/140) introduced permanent remote participation rights for council members. Remote means are defined as 'electronic means, including telephone conference, video conference, live webcasts, and live interactive streaming.'
Closed Sessions
Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances
Permitted Categories
Meeting Minutes
Online posting: Not required
Content requirements: Minutes of proceedings must be kept and made available for public inspection. Available at council offices and on the council's website.
Recording & Broadcast
Enforcement
Accessibility & Language Access
Language access: Irish Language Act provisions may apply in some council areas. Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires councils to have due regard to equality of opportunity.