LGA 2001

Sunshine Score

Agenda & Notice Requirements

Online posting: Not required

Notice of meetings must be given 3 clear days before the meeting (Schedule 10). Meeting notices must be sent to each member and posted on the council notice board. Agendas must be made available to the public at the council offices.

Agenda changes at meeting: Allowed

Public Participation

The Act grants a right of attendance at council meetings but does not create a statutory right to speak. Public speaking rights are governed by each council's standing orders and vary. Media receives specific protection — standing orders may not restrict media attendance except for space constraints.

Virtual Meetings

No permanent statutory provision for remote member participation found in the 2001 Act or subsequent amendments. Temporary measures may have been introduced during COVID-19 via statutory instrument.

Closed Sessions

Closed (executive) sessions: Allowed under specific circumstances

Permitted Categories

• Special Nature Of The Meeting Or Of An Item Of Business To Be Considered (Subject To Majority Vote And Public Interest Test Under S. 45)
• Other Special Reasons (Subject To Majority Vote And Public Interest Test Under S. 45) — Specific Categories Not Enumerated In Statute; Delegation To Standing Orders And Regulations

Meeting Minutes

Online posting: Not required

Content requirements: Minutes must be kept (Schedule 10, para. 14) and open to public inspection at the council's principal offices. No statutory deadline for publication specified.

Recording & Broadcast

Enforcement

Accessibility & Language Access

Language access: Official Languages Act 2003 requires local authorities to communicate in Irish where requested. Meetings in Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas may be conducted in Irish.

Sources & References

• Full text of law →
• Local Government Act 2001 (Meetings) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 66/2002) →
• Local Government Reform Act 2014 →