County Cork woman fined for insurance offence in Donegal Town

A woman with an address in the Beara Peninsula in County Cork escaped a driving disqualification after pleading guilty to a driving insurance offence in Donegal Town.

Rena O’Rourke, 25, of Derrenacarrin, Adrigole, Bantry, Co. Cork, represented herself at Donegal District Court at Ballyshannon Courthouse, before Judge Éiteáin Cunningham.

On July 10, 2025, at Upper Main Street, Donegal Town, Ms O’Rourke was found to be the user of the vehicle without the necessary insurance, contrary to Section 56 (1) &(3) Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended by Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 2006.

Judge Cunningham fined Ms O’Rourke €250 and gave her five months to pay; however, she did not issue a driving disqualification. 

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A separate charge of failing to produce insurance after ten days was struck out. 

Ms O’Rourke told Judge Cunningham: “When I was pulled, I was completely unaware that my insurance policy was cancelled. 

“The car was repossessed, and the Garda let me get a cab to the local Garda Station. I rang the insurance company immediately. 

“I was unaware that I had to present my insurance after 10 days.”

Judge Cunningham, in giving her decision, said she had noted that Ms O’Rourke had no previous convictions, and “special circumstances and presenting to the court.”