Louth Gardaí crack down on ‘footpath parking’ as tickets issued
Louth motorists are being warned that parking on public footpaths could lead to a ticket, as gardaí step up enforcement targeting “illegal and inconsiderate” parking in Dundalk.
An Garda Síochána in Louth confirmed they are actively monitoring “illegal parking” in the town and have issued a number of fixed penalty notices in recent days.
Sharing an image of three vehicles parked on Bridge Street on its official social media channel, gardaí said the cars were ticketed by the Dundalk Roads Policing Unit for blocking the footpath.
“The owners of these three vehicles were issued with fixed penalty notices in relation to their inconsiderate parking, and for completely blocking the footpath for pedestrians,” the post said.
The news has been welcomed by local councillor, Maeve Yore, who has raised ongoing concerns about “illegal parking” in a number of areas including Bridge Street and Church Street.
Cllr. Yore told The Argus that cars blocking footpaths causes “real challenges for wheelchair users and people with disabilities, as well as people pushing prams.”
"I really welcome this approach by gardai. It is something I have been working to resolve for some time, and is a big problem in this area. I hope they continue to issue fixed penalty notices where cars are parked illegally.”
A recent meeting of Dundalk Municipal District heard that poor parking was being fuelled by motorists who are “willing to take the risk” that they will avoid penalties.
Councillors also pointed to the impact of illegal parking on mourners attending the funeral home in the area and funeral services at St. Nicholas Church.