Wicklow’s NCT CYL OTT…?

Might be time…

atest press release from Jennifer Whitmore TD, issued on Monday, January 9th 2023…

Jennifer Whitmore TD has described as “totally unreasonable” the waiting periods for access to NCT appointments for people living in Wicklow.

Whitmore has called for practical solutions to bring down waiting times for NCT tests in Wicklow, and around the country.

Deputy whitmore said: “The fact is in Wicklow we only have one test centre in Arklow for the whole county. There is currently a seven month wait for a test with the next available test in July 2023 according to the NCT booking portal today.

“Other test centres such as Nass and Deansgrange, used by Wicklow car owners for their NCT, both have no availability until August of this year. I have been told of people in Wicklow registering for NCTs in counties outside Leinster in the hopes of being seen to sooner. The vast majority of motorists are responsible road users and want to comply with the regulations for NCT testing, but that is becoming increasingly difficult when they are being asked to wait for eight months.

“It is totally unreasonable to expect motorists to meet this standard while not ensuring that the service being provided is delivered in a timely manner. This cannot continue for much longer, or we may find ourselves in the position of a year long waiting list for an NCT.

“While the triggering of sanctions on Applus for their failure to meet their service level agreement is welcome, those will not see cars tested faster or a reduction in waiting times.

“The Minister needs to get all relevant parties around the table and work to find a practical solution for motorists.”