In a significant move to curb illegal parking, local councils across Ireland have ramped up the number of traffic wardens, resulting in a sharp increase in parking fines. Data reveals that over 351,000 parking tickets were issued in 2023, marking a 15% rise from the 304,000 fines issued in 2022.
The fines, which range from €40 to €150, are imposed for various parking violations. Parking in a disabled spot incurs a €150 fine, while parking on footpaths, cycle tracks, or bus lanes costs €80. Failing to display a correct tax disc results in a €60 fine, and not having a valid pay-and-display ticket costs €40.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many councils had relaxed parking enforcement and some traffic wardens were reassigned to assist the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, with the easing of pandemic restrictions, councils have increased the number of traffic wardens, leading to a surge in parking fines.
Among Ireland’s 31 local councils, 23 reported an increase in parking fines. Galway City Council, Cork City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Waterford City and County Council, Kerry County Council, and Westmeath County Council recorded the highest number of fines per 100,000 people.
Galway City Council, which now employs 11 traffic wardens with one more joining soon, issued 36,645 parking fines last year, up from 30,517 in 2022. Cork City Council issued 49,511 fines, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown issued 29,845, Kerry County Council issued 17,674, and Westmeath County Council issued 7,424 fines. With a population of just over 96,000, Westmeath had one of the highest rates of parking fines.
Donegal County Council and Dublin City Council also saw significant increases in fines. In Donegal, the number of fines more than doubled, with 10,018 fines issued last year compared to 4,892 in 2022.
The increase in traffic wardens and subsequent rise in parking fines have generated millions of euros in revenue for local councils, highlighting the impact of stricter parking enforcement across the country.
