Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) — Different Appeal Route from UK PCN

In Ireland, council-issued parking fines are called Fixed Charge Notices (FCNs), not Penalty Charge Notices. The appeals and payment process differs from the UK: FCNs can be contested through the District Court if payment is not made, not through a civil parking tribunal. An FCN also carries different time limits: payment at a reduced rate is available within 28 days, and failure to pay within 56 days results in court summons. Understanding this process is essential for a successful challenge.

Legal basis

Road Traffic Act 2010 (Ireland) s.35; Fixed Charge Processing Office (FCPO) procedures; District Court Rules

How to identify this in your case

You received a Fixed Charge Notice (FCN) in Ireland — it will be issued by An Garda Síochána or a local authority traffic warden. Note the FCN number, issue date, and 28-day/56-day deadlines. Appeals are not made to a tribunal but by disputing payment which triggers a court summons you can contest.

Sample appeal wording

To the Fixed Charge Processing Office: FCN Reference: [number] Vehicle Registration: [registration] Date of Issue: [date] I am writing to dispute the above Fixed Charge Notice on the following grounds: [Select as applicable:] 1. The FCN does not specify the precise location / nature of contravention with sufficient particularity 2. The signing at the location did not comply with the Roads Act requirements 3. The parking restriction was not established by a properly made bye-law or Road Traffic Order 4. The warden was not authorised by the relevant local authority to issue FCNs I respectfully request that this FCN be withdrawn. I am prepared to contest this matter in the District Court if necessary and to call relevant witnesses including the issuing warden. Please acknowledge receipt of this correspondence.

Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.

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Sources

Road Traffic Act 2010 (Ireland) s.35
Fixed Charge Processing Office procedures