Donegal has seen a 25% rise in the number of fines for illegal parking in disabled bays across the county.
In 2023, Donegal County Council issued 415 fines to motorists found parking in a disabled parking bay without displaying a valid permit.
This number climbed to 518 in 2024.
The figures do not take into account any fines issued for the same offence by gardaí.
The figures were unveiled to Letterkenny Councillor Tomás Seán Devine this week at a meeting of the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District.
Cllr Devine, who is living with a disability, said he has seen the issue arise too many times.
“With having a parking badge myself, it’s alarming the amount of cars and vans you see parking in disabled spots with no badges,” said the 100% Redress Party councillor.
“Last week, I saw delivery lorries taking up two disabled parking spots at the Market Square. I had nowhere to park, and there are people worse off than me who need those spaces, and it angered me.”
Motorists who abuse disabled parking bays face a parking fine of €150 which increases to €225 if not paid within 28 days.
Cllr Devine says he also wants to see more enforcement in privately managed car parks.
“I know this is nothing to do with the council, but my aim is to get shopping centres to clamp down on it as well. When it’s a private car park, people don’t seem to care,” he said.
