data.gov.ie

Introduction to Open Data

What is Open Data?

Open Data refers to data that can be freely used, shared, and built upon by anyone for any purpose. It promotes transparency and innovation. For a clear and comprehensive overview, see the Open Government Data definition provided by data.europa.eu.

What are High Value Datasets?

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. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/138 of 21 December 2022 lays down a list of specific high-value datasets and the arrangements for their publication and re-use. 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.

What is Data.gov.ie?

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.

What is the purpose of Ireland’s Open Data portal?

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

Who oversees Ireland’s Open Data policy?

The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation is responsible for Ireland’s Open Data policy.

Using Open Data

How can developers access and use Open Data?

Developers can access datasets via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) or download them directly from the portal. See the Developer's Corner and Developer Resources on the portal for more.

How can I search for datasets?

Access our how-to guide on searching for datasets. An advanced search can be conducted to search for datasets by specific parameters. See our how-to guide on advanced searches.

Are there any restrictions on using 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.

What types of data are excluded from Open Data?

Certain categories of data, including personal or sensitive data is excluded to protect privacy and ensure compliance with GDPR and other data protection frameworks.

What benefits does Open Data offer?

Open Data fosters economic growth, empowers citizens, and enables data-driven solutions. The European Union Publications Office has outlined the value of Open Data.

What are some common themes of datasets on Data.gov.ie?

Datasets cover themes such as agriculture, arts, justice, economy, environment, health, and more. Open Data spans various sectors, including government, education, health, and transportation.

Can private companies benefit from Open Data?

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

Publishing Open Data

How can I apply to be a user on a publisher account?

To apply to be a user on a publisher account, please use our New User Request form or email opendata@per.gov.ie. A public sector email address is required to register.

What open datasets should a data publisher publish first?

A publisher should start with a couple of key datasets, especially any high-value datasets as defined by the EU Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/138. We recommend conducting a data audit and putting in place a roadmap for publication of all suitable datasets. You can reach out to the Open Data Team at opendata@per.gov.ie to find out more.

How will people use my dataset?

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
Providing comprehensive metadata

What is 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. 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.

In what format should one publish its dataset on data.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 a three-star openness rating, 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. For more information, please see our comprehensive Guide for Publishers.

What role does the EU Open Data Directive play in Ireland’s Open Data policy?

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

What technical standards are followed for Open Data in Ireland?

Ireland adheres to technical frameworks and standards to ensure data consistency and interoperability, which can be seen in the Technical Standards Framework. Please note that a new standards framework is currently in development.

How often are datasets updated on Data.gov.ie?

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.

Engagement & Participation in Ireland's Open Data Ecosystem

How do I become a member of the Open Data Liaison Officer Network?

Please send an email to the Open Data Team at opendata@per.gov.ie to apply to join the network. All public bodies should designate a senior person/team within their organisation who will act as an Open Data Liaison Officer in relation to Open Data as outlined in 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.

How can I suggest a dataset?

You can suggest a new dataset to publish on the Suggest a Dataset page. Members of the public are encouraged to participate by using Open Data, providing feedback, and suggesting new datasets.

Is there a community around Open Data in Ireland?

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. Reach out to the Open Data Team at opendata@per.gov.ie to find out more.

How do I contact the Open Data Team?

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

Frequently Asked Questions