Housing tops Ombudsman's complaints list from Cork

Almost 450 complaints were made to the Ombudsman in relation to Cork organisations in 2025, the majority of which related to housing.

In the latest annual report published by the Ombudsman, it has been revealed that 5,297 complaints were made to the body throughout last year, a record high, representing an 11% increase on the previous year. It was the highest number of complaints lodged in more than 30 years.

Among the complaints lodged, 449 pertained to organisations in Cork, including Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Cork University Hospital (CUH) and University College Cork (UCC).

Additionally, complaints were also made from people in Cork against the Department of Social Protection and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The majority of complaints made against Cork organisations – 200 – were made against Cork City Council.

While a breakdown of complaints made to the local authority was not available, a spokesperson for Cork City Council said the majority related to housing.

“Cork City Council works closely with the Office of the Ombudsman to resolve cases that are brought to its attention,” the spokesperson said.

“Annual statistics show an upward trend averaging at 10% in case numbers over the last three years.

“Most of the Ombudsman complaints are housing-related.” 

There were a further 80 complaints lodged against Cork County Council. However, only 34 were upheld by the Office of the Ombudsman.

Of the 34 complaints upheld, 23 related to housing, seven related to planning, two related to roads, and two related to finance.

A spokesperson for Cork County Council said the number of complaints received by the local authority represents a “reduction from 46 in 2024”.

“In the period 2023-2026, only 9% of complaints about Cork County Council received by the Ombudsman were upheld,” the spokesperson said.

There were 12 complaints made against CUH, of which 11 were upheld.

While a specific breakdown of complaint topics was again not available, a spokesperson for the Ombudsman said they would reflect the type of issues that are seen in complaints about other hospitals, such as the care and treatment of patients, issues around their admission and discharge, or how their complaint was dealt with.

A representative for CUH said the hospital takes all complaints and feedback seriously and is committed to responding to patients and families in a "fair, respectful and transparent manner”.

“Our records indicate that in 2025, CUH received correspondence from the Office of the Ombudsman in relation to 11 complaints, compared with 7 in 2024,” the spokesperson said.

“CUH cooperates fully with the Ombudsman and, where areas for improvement are identified, the hospital reviews the issues raised and takes appropriate action.” 

Five complaints were made against UCC. However, the organisation was not notified of these, as none were upheld.

A spokesperson for the complaints body said while they usually contact an organisation when a complaint is received, there are some complaints where it is not necessary to contact the public body.

“For example, where it is evident from the documentation provided by the complainant that the body’s response is sufficient or correct in its decision/actions, the Ombudsman simply closes the complaint with no need to notify the public body,” the spokesperson said.