Louth learner drivers facing ‘frustration’ as new test centre remains unopened

Learner drivers in Louth are facing “frustration” as a new test centre in the county is still yet to open.

The Drogheda Driving Test Centre was due to open in August of last year to help ease driving test waiting times.

However, its opening has been hit by a series of delays due to protracted lease negotiations.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is still yet to publicly confirm the location of the centre, but it is widely understood to be in Southgate Shopping Centre.

Two Louth TDs, namely Fine Gael’s Paula Butterly and Sinn Féin’s Joanna Byrne, both recently submitted Written Parliamentary Questions on the matter.

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Deputy Butterly asked for an update on the centre from Minister for Transport James Browne.

Meanwhile, Deputy Byrne requested that the Minister intervene and resolve the outstanding issues delaying the opening of the centre.

Responding on behalf of the Minister, Minister of State Seán Canney said that the opening of the centre was the RSA’s responsibility.

Minister Canney stated: “Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Driver Testing Service, including the provision of test centres.

“Neither I nor my officials are involved in the service at an operational level.

“However, I fully understand the frustration and disappointment people across the country feel while waiting to complete their driver test and it is vital that the public experience an efficient and dependable driver test service.”

He went on to highlight the steps the Department of Transport has taken to address waiting times nationwide.

He subsequently outlined the situation with plans for the test centre in Drogheda.

“I am further informed by the Authority that the new test centre in Drogheda is at the final stages of preparation.

“The assigned testers are presently deployed to a nearby centre in readiness for its opening while ensuring testing volumes continue to be managed effectively.”

Minister Canney concluded by noting that the driver testing booking system now makes available cancelled test slots for candidates to take up at short notice.

He encouraged learner drivers awaiting a test to monitor this channel, which may provide an opportunity to book an earlier testing date.