Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 2

Written Answers. - Dublin Driving Test Premises.

Mervyn Taylor

Question:

73 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for the Environment if it is intended to carry out the necessary repairs and renovations to the driving test premises at Parkgate Street, Dublin, having regard to the fact that this station serves the large catchment area of the city centre and its immediate environs; if these areas will be provided for by the refurbishment of the Parkgate Street station; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

74 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment if he has any plans to close down the driving test centre at Parkgate Street, Dublin 8; if so, if he will outline the reasons for changing from such a convenient location which facilitates so many people to the west, south west and north west of Dublin city; whether he has sought another driving test location in the western part of the city; if, in particular, his attention has been drawn to the availability of suitable premises in the Inchicore area in Dublin 8; if he will now consider a re-location of the driving test centre to Inchicore; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 74 together.

The Parkgate Street driving test centre, which is located in a building which is in generally poor condition, is due to be closed as part of an ongoing programme to provide better facilities for the public and driver testers. The centre could not be brought up to standard at reasonable cost. In addition, there are serious difficulties at this location in meeting the normal operational requirements in relation to parking, traffic flows and road network. Arrangements are being made to provide a suitable alternative centre and the new location will be brought to public notice in due course.