Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
362. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport whether a broader review of parking enforcement mechanisms including clamping and towing is planned; and whether alternatives to clamping have been assessed. [37166/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that in 2017 the National Transport Authority (NTA) assumed responsibility, as the regulator of vehicle clamping activities, in both statutory and non-statutory (privately-owned) clamping areas, throughout the State. It is responsible for the regulation of clamping activities, the administration of second-stage vehicle clamping and appeals and investigation of complaints.
Parking enforcement, including clamping and towing, is primarily a matter for local authorities under the Road Traffic Acts, with policy oversight by the NTA and provisions set out in the Vehicle Clamping Act 2015.
Alternatives to clamping—such as fixed charge notices, improved payment systems and on-street enforcement—are already widely used as part of overall parking management. Local authorities retain discretion to apply the most appropriate mix of measures based on local needs.
There are currently no plans for a broad review of these enforcement mechanisms. However, my Department will continue to monitor the operation of parking enforcement arrangements to ensure they remain fair, effective and proportionate.
