Backlog of 33,000 driving tests in Dublin still not being addressed, says TD

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay North Denise Mitchell has called for more driving testers to be hired to help clear the extensive backlog of people waiting to take their driving test.

Figures provided to Sinn Féin Transport spokesperson Darren O’Rourke show over 33,000 people are still waiting to sit their test in Dublin.

Deputy Mitchell said that the young people are being adversely affected by the jam.

“33,000 people are waiting to sit a driving test across Dublin.

“There are over 105,000 people awaiting tests throughout the state. It’s absolutely scandalous,” she says.

“The Minister seems to have been asleep at the wheel for most of the past year.

“He has shown no interest in resolving this issue and has made a bad situation much worse.

“Meanwhile students starting college or employees trying to get to work are facing huge problems without their driving licence.

“It’s predominantly young people affected by these delays, which is having a massive impact on their lives. Young people deserve better.”

The TD says that Minister for Transport Eamonn Ryan must explain why more staff have not been hired by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

“Minister Ryan needs to explain why half the driving testers requested by the RSA almost one year ago, are still not in place.

“The Minister needs to increase driving testing and theory testing capacity immediately to clear these waiting lists.

“This should include the fast-track recruitment of staff, longer opening hours, and the establishment of pop-up centres in the areas with the longest waiting lists,” she says.