It’s claimed responsible driving etiquette and creative solutions are urgently required to combat parking violations in Clare.
It comes as new figures released to Clare show that the number parking fines dished out in this county has increased by 34% in the last four years.
A total of 3,315 fixed charged notices were issued for illegal parking in Clare last year and while the fines may have added the welcome sum of €134,527 to the local authority’s coffers, the prevalence of reoccurring trends in some areas has raised serious concerns for elected representatives.
At Doolin Pier, the issue of non-payment for parking in a fee paying site was by far the most the prevalent offence accounting for 377 fines there.
At the Cliffs of Moher, meanwhile 81 notices were enforced for parking in a prohibited place with a further 67 issued for parking on a footway, grass margin, or median strip.
However a North Clare Councillor, believes a one size fits all approach can no longer be applied to effectively tackle the issue.
Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor, Joe Garrihy says while enforcement is essential, creative solutions are required to ensure the host community are not unfairly penalised from going about their daily routines.
A Barefield Councillor, believes urgent attention is required to reinforce driver etiquette surrounding disabled spaces.
A total of 160 fines were issued parking in a disabled bay without a valid permit last year, with the majority of offences in Ennis, Ennistymon and Lahinch.
However, Independent Councillor, Ann Norton says the root of the problem comes down to basic respect.
