NCT ‘fiasco can not be allowed go on’
The current crisis at NCT centres cannot continue and urgent action needs to be taken.
That’s according to outgoing TD Marc MacSharry, Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism and Sport.
It emerged last week that the NCT had suspended part of its tests due to serious concerns with vehicle lifts.
Drivers who had their vehicles booked in for tests would have to come back at a later date to get that done, with two thirds of the test being carried out on the scheduled date.
Deputy Mac Sharry said: “While safety is paramount the reality is hard working people are driving to test centres and not having a completed test. They are being told to come back at an unknown later date to finish the test. This is completely unacceptable.
“In many cases with tests booked in advance, people are taking time off work, or arranging for childcare, so they can attend these tests, and now they’re being told to come back to complete another section of the test on another day. It is a farcical situation.”
MacSharry says that the situation is unfair on people who are paying for the test.
“This fiasco cannot be allowed to go on, it’s costing people money, it is wasting their time off work. It is an unfair ask on hard working people.
“We all know Minister Ross has a hands-off approach to his brief but he needs to intervene. This situation cannot be allowed to go on for weeks or months.”
MacSharry, who is hoping to be re-elected after this weekend’s General Election, says this needs to be sorted as soon as possible.
“I am calling on Minister Ross, his Department officials and the Road Safety Authority to ensure that the company responsible for the testing gets these issues resolved quickly.
“This cannot be left on the long finger, this cannot be ignored and we need urgent action to see full same day testing returned,” added Deputy Mac Sharry.