More than 175,000 vehicles have been clamped by private parking operator APCOA across Ireland over a three-year period, with new figures highlighting a significant increase in enforcement activity.
The figures show that clamping incidents have risen sharply since 2023, with motorists facing an increasing likelihood of being immobilised for parking offences.
APCOA recorded just over 52,000 clamping incidents in 2023. That figure increased to more than 66,000 last year, representing a rise of approximately 27 per cent over the two-year period.
Dublin accounted for the largest share of incidents, with more than 106,000 vehicles clamped across the capital over the three years. Kildare, Galway and Cork also recorded substantial numbers.
Particular attention has been drawn to clamping at hospitals and healthcare facilities, where thousands of motorists have been affected.
Almost 22,000 vehicles were clamped at hospitals, healthcare facilities and on surrounding streets over the three-year period.
Of these, APCOA clamped almost 12,000 vehicles directly at healthcare facilities between 2023 and 2025. Beaumont Hospital in Dublin accounted for nearly 6,900 of those incidents.
A further almost 10,000 vehicles were clamped on streets surrounding Dublin hospitals by Dublin Street Parking Services.
The figures raise questions about parking enforcement around healthcare facilities, where patients, visitors and staff can face difficulties finding suitable parking.
The HSE has defended the need for parking controls, saying they are important in maintaining access to healthcare services and ensuring that parking spaces remain available for those attending hospitals.
However, clamping will not form part of the HSE's national review of hospital parking charges.
APCOA declined to comment on the figures but emphasised that motorists who believe they have been unfairly clamped are entitled to appeal the decision.
The latest figures highlight the scale of private parking enforcement across the country, with Dublin accounting for a particularly significant proportion of the vehicles immobilised.
