Local NCT centre among those to reopen in first phase

Athlone is one of a number of NCT centres in the country reopening on a phased basis from tomorrow, Monday.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) confirmed over the weekend that some of RSA’s services will begin on Monday 8 June, the start of phase 2 of the Government’s road map for easing of Covid19 restrictions.

The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS), the Driver Theory Test (DTT), and the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) will begin re-opening on a gradual basis from Monday.

The re-opening of these services is being done in line with the National Return to Work Safely Protocol agreed by employer and worker representatives.

Minister Ross said, “While I am pleased to announce the gradual resumption of these services, people do need to understand that things will be different. This is to ensure we continue to protect the health and wellbeing of both staff and the public. This must remain the overriding priority. Therefore, the delivery of these services will be subject to measures designed to mitigate against the spread of COVID19.”

Some of the conditions that will apply to services re-opening include;

· NCTS, NDLS and DTT centres will open on a gradual basis in the coming days and weeks. Check relevant websites for updates on centres opening in your area.

· Customers must make an appointment in advance to avail of any service. No walk-in appointments will be accommodated. This will be kept under review.

· All services must be paid for with credit / debit cards. No cash will be taken.

· Social distancing should always be maintained.

· Anyone wishing to use these services are reminded that they are subject to the Government’s current restriction on travel

“While the Driver Testing Service is not re-opening as part of this phase in the Government’s road map, I do wish to provide an update on this service. I appreciate that learner drivers will be anxious to know when driving tests will become available again. There are challenges to overcome in order to re-open this service fully. While I do see the possibility of truck, bus and motorcycle testing resuming, in Phase 3, there are issues to overcome to recommence car driving tests. These challenges include maintaining social distancing as a car driving test means close contact in an enclosed space between the driver tester and the learner driver for periods in excess of 15 minutes. I can assure learner drivers that officials in my Department and the RSA are looking at all available options to get car driving tests started again as soon as possible.”

Details of the new arrangements for NCTs is available on www.nct.ie

The centres opening on Monday comprise:

Cork – Little Island

Cork – Blarney

Northpoint 1 & 2, Dublin

Deansgrange, Dublin

Fonthill, Dublin

Galway

Limerick

Waterford

Letterkenny

Athlone

Ballina

Naas

Drogheda

Derrybeg