Albert Dolan (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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154. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, he will review the fines and enforcement measures for the misuse of disabled parking spaces, given that current penalties are not acting as a strong enough deterrent and enforcement remains inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26444/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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A driver who parks in a designated disabled parking bay without a valid permit risks incurring a fixed charge of €150, rising to €225 if not paid within 28 days. In 2023, my Department introduced additional provisions making it an offence to use a disabled parking permit other than for the direct benefit of the permit holder, with the penalty set at €200 and rising to €300 if not paid within 28 days.

I would like to emphasise that these fixed charges are already among the highest for any traffic or parking offence. My Department considers them proportionate to the gravity of the offences and has no plans to increase them in the short term.

As my Department has no role in the day-to-day enforcement of these penalties, the Deputy may wish to bring the second party of his query to the direct attention of of An Garda Síochána and local authority traffic wardens.