Exclusive: Naas Mayor Defiant, Says He Won't Pay Parking Fine Because He Was On Council Business

Monday, 6 October 2025 14:28

By Martin Osborne - Head of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

Update: Kfm understands that the case has been dismissed and Cllr Moore will not have to pay a fine.

The Mayor of Naas, Independent Cllr Seamie Moore, had a parking fine dismissed at Naas District Court this afternoon.

The case related to an incident during an official function at Naas Town Hall earlier this year.

Speaking to Kfm, Cllr Moore, who was attending an award ceremony on behalf of Kildare County Council, overstayed the permitted grace period in a nearby car park.

He argued that he was performing his duties at the time and was unable to leave the event to move his vehicle.

He appealed the fine to the council and it is understood that he was told by officials that if he did not pay the fine, it would set a precedent for other councillors.

Cllr Moore said he does not believe he should have to pay the fine because he was working in an official capacity for the council at the time.

When asked if a member of the public would be expected to pay, he said "Yes" but that he should not have to because he was carrying out work for the council.

When asked if he would pay the charge, he said he will "refuse", maintaining that it is "unjustifiable" given he was on official council business.

Kfm understands that the case has been dismissed and Cllr Moore will not have to pay a fine.

Speaking to Kfm after the court hearing, Cllr Moore said he feels "justified".

He reiterated his point that cllrs should be given some leeway, particularly around grace periods, when attending council events in an official capacity.

He said he was only "nine minutes" outside the grace period.

He said he has often been at meetings and a councillor or other council executive has to leave to pay for parking.

The Naas Municipal District Committee appointed Cllr Seamie Moore as Mayor at their annual meeting, which was held on Tuesday 8^th July 2025, in Áras Chill Dara.