Call for driving licence centre in Dundalk

A motion by Cllr Sean Kelly calling on the National Driving Licence Service to set up a part time office at the new RSA Driving Test Centre at the Newry Road with immediate effect, was passed at last week’s meeting of the Dundalk Municpal District.

Cllr Kelly complained that people have to travel 40km from Dundalk to Drogheda when applying for a driving licence. He said he was not expecting the office to operate on a full time basis in Dundalk, but if it was open one or two days a week, it would help. The RSA Driving Test Centre on the Newry Road was the perfect location, he felt.

Cllr Maeve Yore said she fully supported the motion as it made common sense.

‘Senior citizens are having to travel to Drogheda and it’s a two hour journey for them,’ she said.

Her sentiments were echoed by Cllr Erin McGreehan who said she had recently had to take her mother to Drogheda to renew her licence. Having the facility in Dundalk would be a massive help, especial for Old Age Pensioners.

Cllr Conor Keelan pointed out that the Road Safety Authority had been very willing to work with local residents when the Driving Test Centre was being built. There is space on the site which could be used for the issuing of driving licences, he noted.

‘It’s a very good motion,’ said acting chairperson Cllr Marianne Butler. She pointed out that older people have to travel to Drogheda every three years to renew their licences.

She also anticipated that there will be extra demand for driving licences by those who have to change them for Irish licences post-Brexit.

Cllrs also noted that there was a difficulty for young drivers who are not qualified to drive on the motorway and who have to travel to the centre in Drogheda.