Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 3

Written Answers. - Driving Tests.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

144 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the waiting list for driving tests in each of the test centres in County Waterford; the waiting list in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27199/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy):

The following table sets out the number of applicants awaiting a test at the driving test centres in County Waterford.

Test Centre	Applicants awaiting a driving test on–
	31 December 2000	2 November 2001
Waterford	1,558	1,806
Dungarvan	832	666

Two test centres were opened in Waterford City on 22 October 2001 to replace the original centre. Numbers awaiting a test have risen in Waterford City because of an above average increase of 16% in applications in 2001 compared to 2000 and accommodation constraints in the original test centre. My Department is now in a position to schedule additional testers to reduce the numbers waiting for a test. Average waiting times for a test in Waterford City and Dungarvan at the 2 November 2001 are 15 and 13 weeks respectively.