Frequently Asked Questions

A publisher should start with a couple of key datasets. Start with some high-value datasets as defined by the EU Commission Implementing Regulation (Eu) 2023/138 on HVDs that are easy to publish. Then put in place a roadmap for publication of all suitable datasets. There is also a Technical Services Framework for Open Data and Data Management in Ireland that allows a Public Sector Body (PSB) that has a requirement for Technical Services for Open Data and Data Management to avail of this service. If you have any questions about the Technical Services Framework for Open Data and Data Management or would like to know more, please contact the Office of Government Procurement at support@ogp.gov.ie.

The appropriate format for publishing a dataset on data.gov.ie depends on the nature of the data and its intended use. To promote accessibility and reuse, datasets should be provided in open, non-proprietary formats wherever possible. Common examples include CSV for tabular data, JSON or XML for structured or hierarchical data, and GeoJSON, KML, or GeoPackage for geospatial data.

Publishers are encouraged to offer APIs where applicable to facilitate programmatic access, particularly for large or frequently updated datasets.

It is also important to consider practical usage patterns. Users may rely on industry-standard proprietary formats for operational efficiency in specific domains, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). For instance:

• Spatial datasets may be accessed via ESRI REST services, which are widely adopted and capable of handling substantial traffic volumes.
• Formats such as ESRI Geodatabases may be appropriate for download, even though they are not classified as open formats.

As per the Open Data Directive, publishers should aim to meet at least three-star openness, providing data in machine-readable, non-proprietary formats, while offering additional formats that reflect real-world usage and demand.

Ultimately, the objective is to ensure data is open, accessible, and fit for purpose across a diverse range of users and applications.

Once published, your dataset may be used in various ways, often combined with other open or proprietary datasets from diverse sources. The potential applications of Open Data are extensive and continually evolving, ranging from research and policy analysis to commercial innovation and public service delivery. To support meaningful and responsible reuse, ensuring that your dataset is as interoperable as possible is essential, including:

• Using open, machine-readable formats
• Applying standardised structures and vocabularies
• roviding comprehensive metadata

Metadata plays a critical role in guiding appropriate use. It should clearly describe the dataset’s origin, structure, limitations, and intended scale. For example, spatial data derived from a 1:100,000 scale source should not be used for analysis at a 1:5,000 scale, as this would misrepresent the data’s accuracy. Conversely, data created at a finer scale may be generalised for broader applications.

This principle also applies to non-spatial data. The data lineage, i.e., how it was collected, processed, and transformed, should be documented to help users assess its suitability for their needs.

By providing explicit metadata and ensuring technical interoperability, you enable users to make informed decisions and maximise the value of your dataset.

Send an email to the Open Data Unit at opendata@per.gov.ie to see if you qualify to become a part of the Network. All public bodies should designate a senior person/team within their organisation who will act as a Liaison person in relation to Open Data (See Circular Number: 20/2021 Open Data Directive). These will act as a point of contact with the Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, in relation to Open Data and help support the initiative generally.

Open Data refers to data that can be freely used, shared, and built upon by anyone for any purpose. It promotes transparency and innovation. data.europa.eu further defines Open (government) Data at the following link: https://data.europa.eu/en/dataeuropa-academy/what-open-data

Data.gov.ie is Ireland’s official National Open Data portal. It hosts over 20,000 datasets from various government departments and public-sector bodies.

The Department of Public Expenditure Infrastructure Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is responsible for Ireland’s Open Data policy. For more information on Open Data in Ireland, please view the following link here.

Email the Open Data Unit at open@per.gov.ie to request to be added to the mailing list.

Datasets cover themes such as agriculture, arts, justice, economy, environment, health, and more.

The portal aims to promote transparency, innovation, and accessibility by providing government data in open, reusable formats.

No, Open Data spans various sectors, including government, education, health, and transportation.

Developers can access datasets via APIs or download them directly from the portal. We also have two tabs available for developers on the portal, 1. the Developers Corner available at: https://data.gov.ie/developers_corner , and 2. Developer Resources, available at: https://data.gov.ie/pages/developers

Open Data fosters economic growth, empowers citizens, and enables data-driven solutions. For more information on the benefits and value of Open Data, please see a publication by the European Union Publications Office: https://data.europa.eu/en/publications/datastories/benefits-and-value-open-data

Generally, Open Data has no restrictions, but some datasets may have specific licensing terms. The standard License used for Open Data in Ireland is the CC BY 4.0. This licence lets others distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon data, even commercially, as long as they credit the originator for the original creation. CC-BY is recommended for maximum dissemination and use of licensed materials. A licence statement and recommended disclaimer statements are included in the Open Data Technical Framework and should be used under the Open Data Initiative. Further information on this license can found through the following link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode

The EU Open Data Directive encourages member states to make public sector information available as Open Data. The EU Open Data Directive (EU DIRECTIVE 2019/1024 on open data and the re-use of public sector information) was transposed into Irish Law by S.I. No. 376/2021 - European Union (Open Data and Re-use of Public Sector Information) Regulations 2021.

Citizens can participate by using Open Data, providing feedback, and suggesting new datasets.

Ireland adheres to technical frameworks and standards to ensure data consistency and interoperability. To see our Technical Standards Framework, please see the following: https://data.gov.ie/pages/opendatatechnicalframework

Yes, businesses can use Open Data for research, product development, and decision-making.

Personal or sensitive data is excluded to protect privacy.

The frequency of dataset updates on data.gov.ie varies depending on the nature of the data and the practices of the publishing organisation.

Each dataset includes metadata specifying its update frequency, ranging from real-time or daily updates to monthly, annual, or ad hoc refreshes. This metadata field helps users understand how current the data is and whether it is suitable for time-sensitive applications. While the portal encourages regular updates to ensure data remains accurate and relevant, the responsibility for maintaining and refreshing datasets lies with the individual data publishers.

Users are advised to consult the metadata associated with each dataset to determine its update schedule and assess its suitability for their intended use.

Yes, there are events, hackathons, and collaborations to promote Open Data awareness. Furthermore, publishers on data.gov.ie have a tool available to them called CEIST, which is Ireland’s Open Data Community Education and Support Tool. It is available to publishers on data.gov.ie and is designed to foster collaboration where publishers can connect to exchange best practices, ask questions and share resources.

It has led to innovative applications, improved services, and informed policymaking.

The Open Data Unit can be contacted by email at: opendata@per.gov.ie

High-value datasets are datasets that are designated by the European Commission to have the potential to offer significant benefits when reused for society, the environment, and the economy. Please see the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/138 of 21 December 2022 laying down a list of specific high-value datasets and the arrangements for their publication and re-use at the following link: https://data.gov.ie/docs/ENG_Implementing_Regulation.pdf . They fall into six thematic categories: geospatial, earth observation and environment, meteorological, statistics, companies and company ownership, and mobility. The goal is to make these datasets available in harmonised technical standards.