Clare representatives criticise NCT backlog

AS NCT centres across the country see backlogs many of those in Clare are criticising the government for not providing a second testing centre for the county.

Motorists in Clare are expecting to face up to a six-month wait for an appointment to get their car tested.

According to Independent Clare TD Michael McNamara, the need for a second centre is “greater than ever”.

Deputy McNamara said: “In May 2021, the NCTS informed me it was on schedule to open an NCT Centre at the Smithstown Industrial Estate, but this was subsequently halted due to significant contractual difficulties.

“What was particularly disappointing was the fact that construction work on the new centre had already commenced, including the erecting of the centre’s steel structure, and it was expected that the centre would be operational by the end of 2021.”

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Aontú representative for the Mid-West Eric Nelligan spoke to Clare FM about the worrying delays.

“People are worried that something will go wrong with their insurance… if they are pulled over by the guards, the guards mightn’t accept their excuse that their NCT isn’t valid.

“We need to give clarity and peace of mind to these people and what Aontú are calling for is a one-year postponement of the NCT for all cars that are just about to go through the NCT,” Mr Nelligan said to Clare FM’s Fiona Cahill.

Deputy McNamara continued: “It appears that little progress has been made in the intervening 18 months and this inordinate delay is resulting in growing waiting times for motorists in the county.

“The NCT needs to explore all possible avenues for the development of a second centre in the county, including in West Clare.”

“I have previously requested the NCT to review the potential for a centre in Kilrush to accommodate thousands of people in the west of the county who face much longer than average journey times to an NCT centre. The NCT has confirmed to me that the patterns of demand for testing and the need for test facilities in Clare will be kept under constant review by NCT. I will continue to make representations on the matter,” he added.