The EIR were passed in order to implement the EC Directive on public access to environmental information and came into force on 1 January 2005.
You don't have to know whether the information you want is covered by the EIR or the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). When you make a request, it is for the us to decide which law we need to follow.
In general terms the EIR covers information relating to the environment; that is information about air, water, soil, land, flora and fauna, energy, noise, waste and emissions. Environmental information also includes information about decisions, policies and activities that affect the environment.
Because the EIR stem from a directive to be implemented throughout Europe, their interpretation is helped by considering that their main aim is to contribute to a greater awareness of environmental matters by providing greater access to information about our environment.
The EIR also allow public authorities to make a reasonable charge for making environmental information available. In general a reasonable charge is one that covers the actual costs incurred by the public authority in producing the information.
Who to contact about a request?
If you wish to make a request for information, please email [email protected] or submit a request in writing to
Information Governance Team
National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
South Pier Road
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH65 4FW
