Judge calls Kerry Tidy Towns volunteer a ‘sacrifical lamb’ for illegally parked drivers
The KerrymanA Tidy Towns member from Killorglin was a ‘sacrificial lamb’ for illegally parked drivers, the Killorglin District Court heard at the Cahersiveen courthouse on Thursday.
Jennifer Boyle of Kilcaragh, Farrantoreen, Killorglin was initially issued a €40 fine for illegal parking in the Killorglin Fairfeild on May 19, 2025, which increased to €60 when she failed to pay.
She told the court she parked there regularly as a Tidy Towns volunteer.
Ms Boyle, who represented herself, said townsfolk were confused about parking at the site.
She told the court that commercial vehicles were permitted to unload heavy equipment nearby and Tidy Town volunteers themselves needed to unload heavy equipment to clean the Fairfield, a gathering area in the Killorglin centre.
Judge John King remarked that she had parked directly on a double yellow line, which is illegal anywhere.
“I’m a member of the Tidy Towns and we clean the Fairfield regularly,” said Ms Boyle. “It’s a very faded line.”
She said that although she was not doing Tidy Towns work that day, and was aware of the double yellow line, many townsfolk believed parking in that local was permissible.
“I’m admitting to the courts that I do park there on a regular basis,” said Ms Boyle.
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However, she said she had never got a ticket.
“Well, you got a ticket now,” said Judge King.
Ms Boyle clarified she merely sought a greater understanding for her community.
“It would be good to have clarity on whether or not it is a parking spot,” said Ms Boyle.
“It is not a parking spot,” said the judge.” Are you a sacrificial lamb for all your colleagues?”
She was ordered to pay the outstanding €60 to the council.
“But that’s this time,” noted the judge.” Don’t be parking there again. And tell your friends don’t be parking there.”
Ms Boyle nodded. “I will but they’re tidying the parking lot.”