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Uninsured drivers adding €35 to every car policy in Ireland

Published

3 years ago

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By John Healy of Healy Insurances

The number of uninsured cars on Irish roads continues to grow.

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The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) carried out new research that showed one in every 12 vehicles was driving without insurance in 2022.

According to MIBI, there are now more than 32,000 additional uninsured vehicles on Irish roads since 2020.

Under Irish law, the penalties for vehicles found without valid insurance include An Garda Síochána having the power to seize the vehicle on the spot, as well as other significant penalties such as an automatic court appearance, five penalty points and a substantial fine.

MIBI, a not for profit organisation established to compensate victims of road traffic accidents caused by uninsured and unidentified vehicles, undertook this research by contrasting the number of private motor vehicle owners paying motor taxes with the number of vehicles who have active insurance policies.

“Law abiding motorists won’t be happy to see these figures and to look at the growing trend of uninsured driving," David Fitzgerald, CEO of the MIBI, said.

"If the current trend were to continue then we are likely to pass 200,000 uninsured vehicles in the next 12 – 18 months unless significant action is taken.”

So what can be done to tackle this issue?

Well the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID) is on the horizon for many years. The data should allow An Garda Síochána to identify uninsured drivers using their ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) device without having to leave their patrol car.

The legislation is still working its way through the Oireachtas.

According to MIBI, honest motorists are paying for the victims of people driving without insurance. It is estimated that approximately €35 of each motor insurance policy in the State is paying for uninsured drivers.
Granted the database is a huge piece of work, but it is long overdue at this stage.

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Soroptimist make €3k donation to Rockmount Care Centre

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14 hours ago

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21 April 2026

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Members of the Killarney Soroptimist Society visited the Rockmount Care Centre on Wednesday, to present a cheque for €3000 to Nurse Manager Mary Hussey.


The significant sum was raised during the society’s successful annual pancake morning held on Shrove Tuesday at the Killarney Avenue Hotel.
Rockmount Care Centre provides essential support as a dedicated day care facility for individuals living with Dementia and Alzheimer’s, serving many clients and families from the Killarney area.
These funds arrive at a vital time, as they are earmarked for the centre’s new sensory garden project, which is currently in the design phase.
Pictured at the presentation are Soroptimists members handing over the proceeds to Mary Hussey. The society extended their thanks to the Killarney Avenue Hotel and all those who supported the fundraiser to help make this donation possible.

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Public realm works begin on Main Street and Kenmare Place

Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This phase of the project, […]

Published

1 day ago

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20 April 2026

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Repair works for the Killarney Public Realm project officially commenced on Monday, April 20, following approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

This phase of the project, funded by the URDF, focuses on enhancing the streetscape and accessibility of both Main Street and Kenmare Place.
To allow the appointed contractors to carry out the investment safely, a section of the R-878 on Main Street, stretching from Kenmare Place to Plunkett Street, is now closed to traffic. This first period of construction is scheduled to run from April 20 until July 3.
Recognising the importance of the tourism season, the council has confirmed the street will fully reopen from July 4 to October 4 to accommodate peak summer traffic. Following this break, works will resume for a second period starting October 5 and running until December 4.
While vehicle diversions are in place, pedestrian access to all businesses and emergency service access will be maintained throughout the construction phases. Kerry County Council stated that these works are part of a wider programme to improve the safety and quality of the town centre and has thanked the public and local business owners for their cooperation during these essential improvements.

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