Dublin Airport Car Park Private Ticket

If you got a ticket in a Dublin Airport car park, it is not an official government fine — it is a private charge based on contract law. Companies like ParkRite or APCOA issue these on behalf of the airport authority (DAA). Because it is a private claim, you have the same defences as with any private parking charge: whether a proper contract was formed, whether the terms were clearly displayed, and whether the amount demanded is excessive under the penalty doctrine. There is no keeper liability rule, so the airport cannot automatically hold the registered owner responsible.

Legal basis

State Airports Act 2004 (no quasi-criminal parking authority); Vehicle Clamping Act 2015 (clamping at airport regulated); private contract law.

How to identify this in your case

DAA-issued PCN at Dublin / Cork / Shannon airport car parks. Often issued by ParkRite or APCOA on DAA's behalf.

Sample appeal wording

Before you send this

Deadline. A late submission can be turned down without your argument being read. Check your notice for the deadline and how it is counted.
Paying may end it. Paying can count as accepting the notice and can close a challenge already under way. Part-paying or acknowledging an old debt can also revive a time limit that had expired.
The amount can change. Check what happens to the sum if you challenge — it may be held, re-offered lower, or keep rising, and fees or enforcement can continue meanwhile.
Use the official route. Use the method, recipient and form your notice specifies, with any reference, evidence and signature it asks for. Sent elsewhere, it may not count.
Only say what is true. Do not copy any statement of fact unless it is true for you, and check the legal point still applies. Delete what does not fit. It may be treated as your statement.
Careful what you volunteer. Avoid unnecessary admissions — naming the driver or accepting responsibility can remove arguments. But answer anything you are legally required to answer, and do include the evidence your ground needs.
Keep the record. Keep what you sent, the attachments, any receipt, and the reply. Note the next deadline.

Sample wording to adapt and send yourself — it may not fit your notice or the stage you are at. Replace the bracketed prompts with your own details; leave any case citation as it is.

To: [Operator] / DAA Parking Re: PCN [NUMBER] 1. The PCN is a private contractual claim. The State Airports Act 2004 does not confer quasi-criminal parking authority on DAA or its contractors. 2. Standard private parking defences apply: (a) No keeper liability under Irish law (no POFA equivalent). (b) Charge is an unenforceable penalty (Dunlop v. New Garage). (c) Terms not adequately notified prior to contract formation. (d) Statute of Limitations 1957 if over 6 years. 3. I do not admit being the driver. I am the registered keeper only. 4. Withdraw the PCN. Pursue at risk of CCPC complaint. Yours faithfully, [NAME]

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Dublin Airport Car Park Private Ticket

Legal basis

How to identify this in your case

Sample appeal wording

Beat It writes this argument automatically

Sources

Related appeal grounds

Next steps