The Mayor of Ennis claims that a lack of public spaces is leading to a surge in parking violations.
It comes as new figures have revealed that over 73% of all parking fines handed out in Clare last year were dished out to motorists in the county capital.
The sound of sensors that many modern motorists have become accustomed to, but if you haven’t paid, displayed or left your vehicle in a designated bay , you could be in a for a hefty fine.
In 2023, the local authority dished out 3,929 penalties to motorists for illegal parking, representing an 18% on the number of violations recorded in 2022.
Almost all areas of the county saw a decrease in parking offences year on year, with the exceptions of Ennistymon, Lahinch and particularly in Ennis were the number of fines skyrocketed by 33% with 2,895 fixed charged notices issued in total.
Although the most prevalent offence in the town was attributed to motorists who did not pay for parking, 582 more drivers were penalised for either parking in a disabled bay, a loading bay or leaving their vehicle in a place that obstructed or endangered traffic.
The Mayor of Ennis believes though that a lack of parking spaces for consumers is to blame for the uptick, pointing to recent figures which show that the town has lost 159 bays since 2008
Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly claims the number of fines will continue to rise unless a dedicated multi-storey is provided for traders and employees and that the taxi rank on Parnell Street is relocated to a more appropriate location.
The Clare Leader Forum is also seeking change , but to motorist behaviour, enforcement and for the greater provision of disabled spaces.
Over the past twelve months, 186 fixed charge notices were dished out to drivers for illegaly parking in a disabled bay and and again this issue was most acutely felt in Ennis.
There are just 78 designated disabled spaces throughout the county town and local disability activist Dermot Hayes believes that a brazen culture has emerged with some motorists that are seeing no consequences for their actions.
The Corofin man says further consultation is needed from the local authority to safeguard the interests of the disabled community.
You can listen to the full interview below.