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Drivers turned away from NCT
centre
19.03.10
MOTORISTS are being
turned away from Inishowen's new NCT centre due to
understaffing and not enough opening hours,
according to a "furious" local politician.
Senator Cecilia Keaveney said there had been a
number of complaints from Inishowen drivers who were
told they had to travel to Letterkenny for the car
test.
"I fought long and hard for this service. When it
opened, those in charge stated that they would match
capacity with demand. There are reports recently
that would suggest that, while there are tests being
carried out in Carn, that capacity is not being met
locally," said Senator Keaveney.
"One garage man who contacted me has stated that he
waited three weeks for a date for Carndonagh and
gave up. I am told a number of people now don't even
request Carn as their option." |
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The Moville-based
senator described the debacle as "serious and
damaging".
"If people don't request Carndonagh that will
further undermine the argument to add days and staff
to the centre there. However, if people cannot get
the service they need when they need it, I
understand their frustration."
The NCT operators are aware of the problem at their
new centre in the peninsula.
"The NCT providers have indicated that they are
aware of the problem in Carndonagh. They are at the
minute looking to increase the opening hours and
they are also looking to recruit another employee
within the next few weeks. This would allow for more
appointments," added Senator Keaveney.
"Advising people in the mean time to go to
Letterkenny is just a temporary measure. I intend to
hold them to their promise. They have assured me
that the NCT Carndonagh service will be expanded to
meet demand.
"I am satisfied that it is in a process of being
dealt with but remain annoyed that the demand was
not adequately foreseen. The mixed message is
damaging." |
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