Burt woman hit with hefty fine and court costs of more than €630 in no road tax case

An Inishowen woman has been ordered to pay a fine and court costs totalling more than €630 after failing to tax her car for the second time.

Donna Marie Keenan, of Castlecooley, Burt, failed to appear before Buncrana District Court to defend a non-display of disc summons brought by Donegal County Council.

However, Judge Emile Daly directed that the case could go ahead in her absence after being shown proof that the defendant was notified of the proceedings against her.

Giving evidence, a Buncrana traffic warden told the court how she had been on patrol at Upper Main Street, Buncrana on the afternoon of Friday, January 31, 2025, when the detection was made.

At 12.56pm on that date, the warden observed a 2016-registered vehicle parked along the street with no valid motor tax disc displayed.

A fixed charge penalty notice was issued for the offence and placed under the wipers of the vehicle.

The court heard how the initial fine was €60, rising to €90 for late payment. However, it was not paid at all, and the matter progressed to court as a result.

Acting for Donegal County Council, solicitor Donna Ferry told the judge that the tax arrears amounted to €420 in the case, and a recent check showed that the sum was still outstanding.

Ms Ferry revealed how Ms Keenan had one similar previous offence, for which she was fined €250 and ordered to pay costs of €138 at a court sitting in May 2025.

The Council solicitor asked the judge to consider the arrears and the previous in relation to the penalty.

Judge Daly then fined Ms Keenan another €500, with additional costs of €138 to the Council. She has a deadline of six months to pay the €638 total.

READ NEXT: Man accused of serious assault in a Carndonagh bar considers entering a plea of guilty