Over €1.16 million made in parking and fines in Kildare-Newbridge area

A NEWBRIDGE councillor has sought detailed transparency on parking revenues and costs in the Kildare–Newbridge area, revealing that more than €1.16 million was generated last year from pay parking and fines.

At a recent meeting of the Kildare–Newbridge Municipal District, cllr Chris Pender asked officials to provide a five-year breakdown of income from pay parking charges and parking fines, as well as the annual costs of operating and enforcing the system. He also requested details on contracts, including their value, duration and the companies involved.

In response, council officials outlined that expenditure includes a wide range of operational costs, such as staff salaries and wages, enforcement activities, cash collection services, parking meter maintenance, administrative support from a subcontractor, legal fees, the parking permit system and the online payment platform.

Income figures cover pay-and-display parking, permits and parking fines.

Documents presented to councillors show that in the Newbridge–Kildare area, total parking-related income reached €1,167,645 in 2025, while expenditure stood at €835,424.

Over the five-year period, income has risen significantly. Earlier figures show totals of €763,967 (2021) and €914,662 (2022) in preceding years, increasing to €1,018,787 (2023) and €1,183,779 (2024) before the latest total.

Pay parking income accounted for the largest share annually, while revenue from fines also grew steadily, reaching more than €430,000 in the most recent year reported.

The apportioned expenditure figures combine multiple service costs borne in running the scheme, rather than a single contract payment.

In response to the report, cllr Pender said there was no clarification needed for the “very depressing report”.