Almost 3,000 fines have not yet been fully paid in Waterford District Court Office totalling almost €900,000.

That’s according to figures obtained by Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a former barrister, who has described the number as “a slap in the face” to the victims of crime.

Her comments come as the Irish Courts Service released figures to the Fianna Fáíl MEP, under the Freedom of Information Act, which show that almost €45 million in unpaid District Court fines are outstanding across Ireland’s court system since 2020.

She has called for the issue to 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? 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 Gardaí on our streets. It is time for a get tough approach to those criminals who feel they are above the law. Our road deaths have been rising in Ireland for consecutive years. How can we expect any improvement in that scenario when those fined for traffic offences may choose not to pay the fine?”

She argues that the Fines (Payment and Recovery) Act 2014, which came into force on the 11^th of January 2016 is not working when it comes to the recovery of most outstanding fines.

The figures show that 133, 851 fines across the State have yet to be paid in full in the country’s District Court system.

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