Independent councillor Liam Browne is calling for higher penalties for drivers who park illegally in spaces assigned for disabled drivers and for greater enforcement of parking rules by traffic wardens and An Garda Siochana. Cllr Browne says he wants a special focus on disabled parking spaces on the Main Street, Wesley Square areas of Cashel and the ongoing parking issues at certain times along the footpaths to St Cormac’s Cemetery in Cashel.
The Councillor intends to propose that the fine for illegally parking in a disabled spot be increased to €250 euro – however such fines are set by the Department of Transport. The current fine of €150 for this offence was put into effect in January 2023 in a bid to improve driver behaviour.
Council officials have clarified that a total of 17 disabled parking bays are provided in Cashel by the Council with a number of other such spaces provided in private car parks operated by local businesses. The Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland have sought changes to legislation to make the misuse of disabled parking spaces in private car parks liable to the €150 fine however this law has not been amended as of now.
The council also clarified that no parking charge applies for drivers with the blue badge except for the Rock of Cashel car park which operates on a barrier access system.
