Athlone town parking fines exceed €180,000 over three years
By Rebekah O'Reilly
In excess of €180,000 in income had been generated by Westmeath County Council from parking fines in Athlone town over the past three years.
The issue was raised by Cllr Aengus O’Rourke at a recent meeting of Athlone-Moate Municipal District, where he asked for an overview of parking enforcement activity in the town.
Cllr O’Rourke sought details on the number of parking fines issued, payment rates and compliance levels, court proceedings taken in relation to unpaid fines, and the associated costs of those proceedings to the council.
Figures presented to the meeting showed that Athlone has seen more than 5,000 parking fines issued since 2024, generating income of over €184,000 for the council.
In 2024, a total of 1,823 parking fines were issued, bringing in €62,360 in income.
The number of fines increased in 2025, with 2,392 issued and €81,290 collected.
In 2026 to date, 1,260 parking fines have been issued, generating a further €40,725.
The council also provided details on cases taken through the courts in relation to unpaid fines.
In 2024, 34 cases were brought forward, with associated costs of €6,858.48. In 2025, the council pursued 46 cases at a cost of €10,344.36, while 32 cases have been taken so far in 2026, costing €5,589.12.
During the discussion, Cllr O’Rourke suggested that “naming and shaming” motorists who do not pay their fines could potentially encourage greater compliance.
However, District Manager Jackie Finney said such a move would not be appropriate and stressed that “most people do pay their fines”.
She also highlighted that enforcement powers are shared, with Gardaí also having the authority to issue and enforce parking fines.
“Gardaí also have the power to fine and enforce as well as the council,” she said.
Ms Finney explained that where a person is convicted and a case proceeds through the courts, the matter would come out as part of the court process.
“People have a right to go to court. We wouldn’t and couldn’t be naming and shaming. We’re not judge and jury,” she said.
“We have to adhere to GDPR. We can really only do what we do - we fine, we police the streets, we pursue, and we carry out the administrative procedures.”
She added that parking offences affect the wider population of the town, and emphasised the importance of parking responsibly.
“The District chamber is an important place to air the big issues, and it is important that people park responsibly, because it does affect people who are travelling with a buggy or with limited mobility. Sometimes people just don’t think.”
The District Manager said the council would continue to use existing enforcement procedures to recover unpaid parking fines, with court action being pursued where necessary.