Vol. 446 No. 5
65 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment the current position in relation to the proposal to introduce vehicle testing for cars on a phased basis from 1 January 1996; the number of testing centres in the country at the moment; the number of new testing centres which it is proposed to have established; the fees to be charged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2273/94]
EC Council Directive 91/328 of 21 June 1991 requires those member states, including Ireland, which do not already have a system of periodic roadworthiness testing for cars to have such a system in operation by 1998. Pending approval by the Government of specific proposals in the matter in due course. I am not in position to say what detailed arrangements will apply or what the fee would be.
At present, there are 109 centres which test light goods vehicles and 12 centres which test heavy goods vehicles/trailers, buses, coaches and ambulances. There is some overlap between the two categories of test centres.
