National Driver Licensing Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Questions (209)

John Brady

Question:

209. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons in County Wicklow whose driver licences have expired cannot make an appointment to renew their licence at the NDLS centre in Wicklow in view of the fact it is fully booked for appointments (details supplied); the measures that will be implemented to address the issue to ensure persons with expired licences will be accommodated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20838/20]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As you can appreciate, Covid 19 has had a profound effect of the delivery of services.  The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has just resumed and is operating at around 60% of its pre Covid capacity to ensure that it complies with social distancing, occupational and public health requirements.

The NDLS offices are unable to facilitate any walk-ins due to the social distancing requirements and in the interest of protecting the staff and customers. Therefore, all appointments must be booked in advance. This, of course, has led to an increase in the demand for appointments.  The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is working with their providers to see how they can increase capacity while adhering to the return to work protocol. Options under consideration include extended opening hours, overtime and protective segregation barriers between booths.

Any queries in relation to driving licences or urgent cases can be addressed to the NDLS customer service at 0761087880 or by emailing [e-mail]