Rachel Cunningham
Driving test applicants are experiencing the longest delays for their driving test at the Dun Laoghaire and Deansgrange test centre, compared with any other centre in the country.
This finding is according to statistics released to the Aontú political party, following a parliamentary question to the Department of Transport.
“The delays in Dun Laoghaire are not merely due to higher numbers of applicants, as the Finglas Test Centre has more tests scheduled and a greater volume of applications,” said Aontú representative for Dun Laoghaire, Mairead Tóibín.
“Provisional drivers on learner permits can expect to wait 42 weeks after applying to do their test here. When we compare this to the Thurles Test Centre in Co. Tipperary, which has a mere 10 week waiting period, we see the true extent of the backlog”.
Ms Tóibín called for the backlog to be tackled with immediate effect.
“Applicants should be informed if it is the case that they would be dealt with quicker at another test centre. While this area is well serviced with public transport anyone applying for a driver’s licence needs to be able to do their test without excessive delays,” she added.
Ms Tóibín described the waiting period as shocking and called for the local people in Dun Laoghaire to be prioritised ahead of those who have travel from other parts of Dublin and may served by other test centres.
“The Department of Transport have said there will be 75 new testers across the country by October, after a recruitment process and training period. This isn’t enough to clear the current backlog,” she concluded.
- Dog lovers united at sunset for ‘The Big Paws’ with Dogs Trust Ireland
- Corban Walker’s first solo exhibition
- Deirdre O’Kane is back with Funny Women Dublin – tickets selling fast!
- Super facelift for St Francis Senior NS by Speed Fibre employees
- Insurance firm shows how to reduce driving risk factors among young motorists
