Wexford County Council is committed to delivering high quality services to all members of the public and expects all interactions between customers and staff to be courteous and conducted in a spirit of mutual respect.
To achieve this, we ask our customers to note that the following behaviour will not be accepted.
Unacceptable behaviour includes but is not limited to:
- Use of violence or threat of violence or intimidation toward staff, and/or contractors carrying out work on behalf of Wexford County Council and/or members of the public.
- Intimidating behaviour, including accosting members of staff outside of their relevant office and attempting to coerce staff in any way.
- Harassment of staff or fellow customers using abusive, racist, sexist, homophobic, ageist, obscene or threatening language or behaviour otherwise in breach of the grounds set out in the Equal Status Acts (as amended).
- The recording of staff and/or customers. In the interest of privacy rights, using video and/or audio recordings or taking photographs without specific written authorisation and the inappropriate posting of same on any media platform.
- The posting of unacceptable comments or offensive material on any media platform (including social media) about staff of the Council in relation to their role with Wexford County Council.
- Behaviour that is disruptive or dangerous and interferes with the use and enjoyment of a facility by others or the capacity of the Council to deliver its services to the public.
- Any illegal activity taking place within Council facilities or within the curtilage of the facility.
- Any deliberate or malicious damage to and/or theft of Wexford County Council’s property or threats to carry out such damage or theft.
- Using Wexford County Council’s facilities whilst under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs.
- Using abusive or foul language in communication with the Council or its nominated staff.
- Unwarranted and unreasonable persistent communication.
- Smoking, vaping, drinking alcohol or the use of illegal substances within Wexford County Council public offices and buildings.
- Leaving personal property unattended while using Wexford County Council facilities.
- Littering of Wexford County Council facilities.
- Allowing children to be unsupervised and disruptive in Wexford County Council facilities.
- Bringing pets or animals (other than Guide Dogs and Assistive Working Dogs for the Disabled) into Wexford County Council’s premises is generally not permitted. The exemptions to this include parks or recreational facilities, where pets should be on a lead and under the control of the owner at all times.
- Wearing motorcycle helmets or other helmets within Wexford County Council premises.
Please help us to encourage responsible and considerate use of Wexford County Council’s facilities by observing this Code of Conduct.
Customers who breach the code of conduct may be subject to a range of sanctions depending on the severity and nature of the behaviour. These may include:
-
Verbal Warning – Issued at the time of the incident, advising the customer that their behaviour is unacceptable and must stop immediately.
-
Written Warning – A formal letter outlining the nature of the unacceptable behaviour, referencing the relevant section of the Code of Conduct, and warning of further consequences if repeated.
-
Temporary Suspension of Services – Restriction or suspension of non-essential services or access to certain Council facilities for a defined period of time.
-
Limited Contact Arrangement – Restricting communication to a specific method (e.g. In writing only) or to designated staff members or designated e-mail addresses.
-
Refusal of Face-to-Face Interaction – Limiting customer contact to written correspondence or telephone calls, where appropriate, to ensure staff safety.
-
Permanent Withdrawal of Services – In extreme or repeated cases, permanent withdrawal of access to non-statutory services or facilities, subject to review and legal considerations.
-
Referral to An Garda Síochána - Where behaviour involves threats, violence, harassment, or suspected criminal activity, the matter may be referred to the An Garda Síochána.
-
Legal Action – The Council may pursue legal remedies, such as a restraining order, where necessary to protect staff, facilities, or the public.
With the exception of the verbal warning, Wexford County Council will write to tell you why we believe your behaviour is unacceptable and what action we propose to take (assuming we have a contact address). If the behaviour is so extreme that it threatens the immediate safety and welfare of Council staff or others, we may not provide you with advance notification of sanctions.