Ditch media takes action against local authorities over staff ethics registers

The High Court has granted Ditch Media Limited permission to pursue judicial review proceedings against Donegal and Wicklow County Councils over their maintenance of public staff ethics registers. The media company claims both councils have failed to comply with obligations under the 2001 Local Government Act by declining to provide electronic copies of employee interest registers without significant charges. Donegal County Council offered to supply copies for €375, whilst Wicklow County Council quoted €152.94 excluding postage. Ditch Media contends that other local authorities, including Mayo and Clare County Councils, have provided comparable registers electronically at no cost. The applicant company argues the councils have unlawfully withheld information of public interest and that the charges are unreasonable and disproportionate. Ms Justice Niamh Hyland granted permission for the proceedings on an ex-parte basis on Monday. The company seeks declarations that the councils have misinterpreted what constitutes a register and have erred in their construction of the 2001 Act. Both cases will return to court next month.