Although they have not yet found a suitable premises in Drogheda for a permanent driver test centre the Road Safety Authority (RSA) say they will not be continuing to conduct driving tests from their temporary centre at Marian Park once their lease expires in February 2023.
“The RSA has always viewed the centre at Marian Park as an interim solution to deliver driving tests in Drogheda town and the surrounding region” said Road Safety Authority CEO Sam Waide.
“The process of trying to identify a suitable location to site a driving test centre in Drogheda has been very difficult, protracted, and frustrating for the RSA. Many locations have been examined and deemed unsuitable for various reasons.
“Despite this challenge, I can confirm that the RSA continues to look for possible solutions, as we are committed to a continuity of service in the Drogheda area after February 2023 with all options being explored.”
Mr. Waide was responding to a letter from Deputy Fergus O’Dowd in which the Local TD outlined his frustrations at what he referred to as the unacceptable situation in Drogheda which he says has the longest wait time in the country.
“…On the RSA website this morning, it estimates that it will be the 16th of January 2023 before you will receive an invite for a driving test in Drogheda which is completely unacceptable” Deputy O’Dowd said.
“However, this pales in comparison to the seriousness of the situation if an alternative site is not secured before the end of the current three year lease at the Marian Park Site next February.
!The RSA representatives have consistently reaffirmed to me that your organisation is committed to providing a permanent centre in the town and I would ask that you revert to me with the RSA’s plan to deal with the issue.!
O’Dowd pointed out that there is a council owned site in Mell which has previously been proposed and assessed by the RSA and Louth County Council and he said he strongly believes this site fits the bill for a test centre.
“I again impressed upon the RSA the need to further review this site” O’Dowd said.
