Tralee-based county councillor Terry O'Brien has given a cautious welcome to the news that as of today, it's an offence to provide false or misleading information while applying for, or renewing, a disabled parking permit.
The joint announcement was made earlier by the Department of Transport, the Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association.
It was confirmed that those who make fraudulent applications for disabled parking permits, could face fines of up to €2,500 and/or six months in prison.
The measure comes in response to rising numbers of fraudulent permit applications, include those from individuals who supply false medical information, or attempt to renew a permit for a family member who has died.
Cllr O'Brien, who is a wheelchair user and an employee of the Irish Wheelchair Association, said abuse of the disabled parking permits is widespread, including by drivers all over Kerry.
He says that while today's announcement is welcome, he has concerns about how the new rules will be enforced:
