Almost 30,000 parking fines issued so far this year in Cork 

Almost 30,000 parking fines have been issued across Cork since the start of this year, amounting to the value of more than €1.2m.

Figures provided to The Echo by Cork City Council and Cork County Council show that there has been an increase across both divisions between January and June, when compared with the same time period last year.

The number of parking fines issued by Cork City Council between January 1 and June 11 stands at 22,882, representing a 10.35% increase on the 20,736 fines issued within the same six-month period of 2024.

The value of the parking fines issued this year amounts to €1,061,500, representing an increase of more than €95,000 on the value of fines issued during the same time period in 2024, which was €966,150.

Among the 22,882 fines issued by Cork City Council this year, 350 fines were issued in relation to illegally parking in disabled bays, marking a 14.01% increase on the 307 fines issued in relation to the same issue in 2024.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said that the local authority would like to remind motorists to show “consideration for all road users when parking”.

“Illegally parked vehicles can represent a danger to the general public, pedestrians and other road users alike,” the spokesperson said.

Of the 20,736 fines issued by Cork City Council in 2024, 1,126 fines remain open, which are subject to legal proceedings, as they have surpassed the 56-day period in which a motorist is given to pay the local authority.

Of the 22,882 fines issued by Cork City Council this year, 5,090 remain open, and are still within statutory processing timelines.

The number of parking fines issued by Cork County Council between January 1 and June 11 stands at 5,461, representing a 2.17% increase on the 5,345 fines issued within the same six-month period of 2024.

The value of the parking fines issued by Cork County Council this year amounts to €202,195.

This brings the combined value of fines issued this year by both local authorities to motorists across Cork to €1,263,695.

Speaking to The Echo, Labour Party councillor for the Cork City North East ward John Maher said that while an increase is positive, there is “a lot more to do”.

“The amount of illegal parking across bus lanes, loading bays and disabled spaces is still very prominent in the city,” said Mr Maher.

“Parking enforcement staff should be working on weekends, and should be paid accordingly – the amount of illegal parking would actually pay for the staff - it’s that bad.

“This has massive knock-on effects, so while an increase is positive, we have a lot more to do.” 

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Dan Boyle said that “fines are necessary to discourage bad behaviour”.

“I'm encouraged that greater effort is going into catching those who deliberately park badly,” said Mr Boyle.