Citizens’ information centre received over 10,500 queries as it marks 50th anniversary
Citizens Information Service on Tullow Street
CARLOW Citizens’ Information Centre handled over 10,500 queries from the public in 2024, as the national network marks its 50th anniversary this year.
The Carlow centre, located at 43 Tullow Street, was among the earliest centres registered when the service was established in the 1970s.
It formed part of the first wave of 25 centres officially registered on 8 July 1975 following a conference in Dun Laoghaire that identified the need for bridging the information gap between state services and the public.
The service has proven its enduring relevance, with demand continuing to grow locally. Carlow dealt with 10,523 queries in 2024, while the broader South Leinster Citizens Information Service – which covers Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow and Wexford – handled 127,421 queries. Nationally, the network dealt with 767,168 queries last year.
“After working all my life, I was extremely unsure about how to go about applying for my state pension,” said one Carlow client. “I visited the Citizens’ Information Centre and, not only have they armed me with information, they are actively helping me through the application process. Amazing service.”
Social welfare queries account for 45 per cent of all cases, with employment, housing, education, health and migration issues making up the remainder. The centre provides assistance with understanding social welfare requirements, completing application forms, housing issues and digital services like setting up MyGov accounts.
Sarah Drea, development manager for South Leinster Citizens’ Information Service, covering the Carlow and Kilkenny area, highlighted the continued importance of the service as many public services have moved online.
“The movement of so many public services online has been difficult for some groups in society. Citizens’ information is here to help,” she said.
The service has supported diverse clients over the decades, including asylum seekers who have gone on to become Irish citizens, single parents rebuilding their lives and older residents planning their retirement.
Today, the national network operates through eight regional companies and over 90 offices, providing face-to-face services alongside the citizens’ information phone service, which operates from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
