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Fixed Charge Processing Office

The Fixed Charge Processing Office (FCPO) was established in 2003 and is located in Thurles, County Tipperary. The office is staffed by nearly 70 personnel with an Assistant Principal responsible for the running of the office. It is the National Processing Office responsible for administering the Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS).  This system was developed by An Garda Síochána to enable computerised, automated processing of Road Traffic (including drink-driving) and Public Order Offences that incur fixed charges. Some Road Traffic Offences also attract penalty points as provided by Road Traffic legislation.

The main legal basis for the system is contained in the Road Traffic Acts of 1961 to 2014 and various Regulations. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2006 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provide for a fixed charge procedure in relation to certain public order offences. Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 (Sections 23A and 23B) Regulations 2008 of 10 September 2008 refer.

There are currently over 550 traffic offences which are the subject of Fixed Charge Notices.

Objectives of the Fixed Charge Processing Project

From a Garda perspective the Fixed Charge Processing project objectives included:

  • ensuring An Garda Síochána's policies, practices and procedures were consistent with legislative requirements;
  • increased capacity to process fixed charge offences;
  • centralising the administration and processing of fixed charge offences;
  • outsourcing printing and payment collection;
  • improving the Garda organisation's ability to provide effective management information.

These objectives support An Garda Síochána’s strategic goal of reducing the incidence of fatal and serious injuries and improving road safety through:

  • increased Garda visibility and enforcement;
  • reduction in Garda time spent on administration;
  • reduction in Court appearances;
  • improved decision making.

The Fixed Charge Processing Office can be contacted at:

Fixed Charge Processing Office
Parnell Street
Thurles
County Tipperary

Tel: +353 504 59800

Freephone: 0818 50 60 80

Fax: +353 504 59844

E-mail:npo@garda.ie