Last year was a record year for complaints about public services, despite local decrease

Last year was a record year for complaints about public services, despite a decrease locally.

The Ombudsman received 4,004 complaints - up 17 per cent on 2020 - and the highest ever level in its 38-year history.

Most complaints related to local authorities - which rose by 45 per cent, to 1,290.

However, there was a decrease in complaints made across Cavan and Monaghan.

40 complaints were lodged in Cavan - this figure was 42 in 2020.

And in Monaghan, 29 complaints were received last year, down from 34 in 2020.

Nationwide, Ombudsman Ger Deering says 2021 was a record year: