Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
360. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Transport if, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, he will review the fines and enforcement measures for the misuse of disabled parking spaces, given that current penalties are not acting as a strong enough deterrent and enforcement remains inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18531/25]
View answerIn 2023, the value of a fixed charge notice (FCN) for misusing a disabled parking permit was increased to €200, increasing to €300 if not paid within 28 days. Similarly, an FCN of €150 may be issued for parking illegally in a public disabled parking bay, increasing to €225 if not paid within 28 days. In addition, since March this year, it is an offence to make a fraudulent application for a disabled parking permit, with a court fine of up to €2,500 and/or 6 months imprisonment.
The enforcement of road traffic law, including provisions for public disabled parking, is under the remit of An Garda Síochána and local authority traffic wardens.
Parking unlawfully in disabled bays is a selfish and irresponsible practice, depriving people with very limited mobility of access to services that we all need to live our lives to the full. However, I believe that the current level of penalty is proportionate to the offence and I do not have plans to increase it at this time.
