Non-Irish registered vehicles taking up parking in one Kildare village

THE GROWING issue of non-Irish registered vehicles parked along the canal in Sallins was raised at a recent meeting of Naas Municipal District.

A local councillor has called for immediate action to address the emerging issue of non-Irish registered vehicles, such as mobile homes and RV’s being parked for extended periods along the canal in Sallins.

At last meeting of the Naas Municipal District, cllr Carmel Kelly tabled a motion urging Kildare County Council to move “immediately” to rectify the situation, highlighting that a number of foreign-registered cars are occupying designated parking spaces for weeks on end.

In response, the council’s transport department confirmed that several fixed charge notices have already been issued to non-Irish registered vehicles at the location. However, officials said the problem persists because the vehicles are registered outside the Republic of Ireland, meaning the owner details cannot be accessed by Kildare County Council.

“The transport department can only regulate vehicles registered with the Department of Transport,” the report stated. “This matter is outside of the control of the local authority.” 

Cllr Kelly told the room: “For 10 days non-Irish mobile homes and RV’s were on the canal, and one in the blue space at Hey Darling (a local coffee shop).” 

She continued: “Because they’re non-Irish we couldn’t do anything. We cannot allow overnight parking, it’s killing businesses there.” 

Cllr Kelly then suggested speaking “crossborder” with Great Britain to fix the situation, and looking at amending byelaws to prohibit overnight parking.

It was also suggested that the council speak with An Garda Síochána in relation to this issue.

“We have to do something. It cannot continue the way it is,” she said.