11,220 people waiting on driving test at Tallaght centre

MORE than 11,200 people are waiting to do their driving test at the Tallaght centre, the highest waiting list nationwide.

Recent figures released also note how a further 6,113 people are waiting to sit their driver theory test in Dublin South.

The figures were provided to Sinn Fein’s Transport spokesperson, Darren O’Rourke TD, following a request on the number of people awaiting a driving test and the number waiting to sit a theory test nationwide.

According to the figures, 105,215 people are waiting to do their driving test nationwide, with 119,253 people waiting to do their driver theory test as of July 6.

The test centre in Tallaght has a total of 11,220 people from across South Dublin County waiting to do their practical driving test – 7,394 are eligible and awaiting an appointment, 3,070 are ineligible and 756 are scheduled for an appointment text.

Commenting on the figures, Dublin Mid-West TD Mark Ward (Sinn Fein) said: “This time last year, we called for additional testers to be hired to help address the growing backlog, but it took months for the Minister to grant approval for the 80 extra testers the RSA themselves requested.

“They are still not in place.

“In November we asked the Minister [for Transport, Eamonn Ryan TD] to put the theory test online, but it took until June of this year to bring in a restricted pilot scheme.

“It’s simply not good enough.

“These issues were foreseeable, but a lack of action and initiative from the Minister has allowed waiting lists escalate to a point never seen before.”

Deputy Ward added: “It’s predominantly young people affected by these delays, which is having a massive impact on their lives.

“The delays are impacting their employment opportunities and will become a major problem for many as they return to college in September.

“Young people deserve better.

“We need to increase testing and theory testing capacity immediately.

“This should include the fast-track recruitment of staff, longer opening hours, and the establishment of pop-up centres where necessary.”

The Echo contacted the Department of Transport for a comment.