Naas Among Worst Areas For Unpaid Court Fines As €3.7M Remains Outstanding Since 2020

Monday, 10 March 2025 14:46

By Martin Osborne

Dublin has the highest amount of unpaid fines, at 13.3 million followed by Naas.

Almost €45 million in district court fines have remained unpaid across the country since 2020, with €3.7 million of that total coming from Naas alone.

Figures, obtained by MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú through the Freedom of Information Act, reveal that 133,851 fines remain unpaid throughout the State.

Ms. Ní Mhurchú, a former barrister, has condemned the situation, calling it a "slap in the face" to the victims of crimes.

Dublin has the highest amount of unpaid fines at €13.3 million, followed by Naas at €3.7 million.

She said the issue of unpaid district court fines should be included in the upcoming review of the criminal justice system which was promised in the 2025 Programme for Government.

"What does this say to the victims who have been impacted by crimes such as drink driving, assault, theft, and shop lifting," she said.

She added: "We are imposing fines that a percentage of criminals are choosing to ignore and it seems there is little we are doing about it. €45 million would fund a lot of domestic violence refuges, road safety campaigns and extra Garda on our streets."

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