Ombudsman Reveals 36 Complaints Against Wexford County Council as Public Service Complaints Rise

Ireland's Ombudsman has confirmed that 36 complaints were received against Wexford County Council last year amid growing concerns nationally about how local authorities deal with members of the public.

Speaking on South East Radio's Morning Mix, Ombudsman Ger Deering revealed that his office received a total of 86 complaints from County Wexford residents during 2025.

These involved a range of public services, including social welfare, healthcare and local authorities.

Of those, 36 complaints specifically concerned Wexford County Council.

Mr Deering stressed that the number of complaints does not necessarily mean the council acted incorrectly in every case.

However, he confirmed that his office had engaged with local authorities nationwide following an increase in complaints.

"We actually received 36 complaints against Wexford County Council. The fact that we got 36 complaints doesn't mean that all of those were a problem, but there would have been issues there that we worked with in the local authority."

Nationally, complaints against local authorities rose by 20% in 2025, prompting the introduction of a standardised complaints-handling policy aimed at improving how councils respond to members of the public.

Mr Deering said the Ombudsman's role goes beyond simply determining whether someone was entitled to a particular service or payment.

His office also examines whether public bodies have treated individuals with dignity and respect.

During the interview, Mr Deering also raised concerns about younger people with disabilities who remain in nursing homes because suitable alternative accommodation is unavailable.

A previous Ombudsman investigation identified approximately 1,300 people under the age of 65 living in nursing homes across Ireland.

He said 130 people had since moved into more appropriate accommodation, but progress had been slower than he would have liked.

Mr Deering described situations where people were going to work during the day but returning to nursing homes in the evening because they had nowhere more suitable to live.

He welcomed additional funding secured for 2026 to help more people make the transition.

The Ombudsman is reminding people in Wexford that they can seek assistance if they believe they have been treated unfairly by a public service provider.

Members of the public should first raise their concerns directly with the organisation involved.

If the issue remains unresolved, or they do not receive a satisfactory response, they can contact the Ombudsman's office.

Complaints can be submitted through www.ombudsman.ie or by calling 01 639 5600.