Driving test waiting list 'particularly bad in Cork', says TD

A Cork TD has called for urgent action as more than 8,000 people are on waiting lists for driving tests across Cork.

Sinn Féin Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has called on Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien to take decisive action to tackle the significant driving test backlog in Cork, as wait times are “simply not good enough”.

Mr Ó Laoghaire’s comments come as the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has confirmed that there are now 8,043 learner drivers waiting for a test across both the Cork city and county regions.

According to data supplied to Mr Ó Laoghaire by the RSA, there are 5,024 people waiting on a driving test at the Wilton centre, with an average wait time of 27 weeks.

Some 1,703 people are waiting at the Mallow centre, with an average wait time of 27 weeks.

In the Skibbereen centre, 919 are waiting for their driving test — with an average wait time of 22 weeks.

Additionally, there are 397 people waiting for a test at the Ballincollig centre, which does not test for individual category B vehicles.

“This problem is particularly bad in Cork,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

“[It] is completely unacceptable — to have [more than 8,000] learner drivers waiting for a test date in Cork is shocking.

“I have been contacted by constituents whose employment is at risk due to being unable to transport themselves to and from their place of work, and for them to be told that they will be waiting more than six months to sit a test is a devastating blow.

“Public transport is not always an option, particularly for night workers or those living or working in more remote areas.

“As well as that, we also have a crisis in our bus service in Cork City, and buses in Cork simply cannot be relied upon.”

Additionally, Mr Ó Laoghaire further highlighted how applications for driving tests have risen steadily over the last number of years, stating that there is a “clear failure” on the department’s behalf in terms of workforce planning.

“This can’t be pushed down the agenda any longer,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

Sinn Féin Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould said: “It is clear now more than ever that the facilities in Ballincollig need to be expanded to include car-drivers [for tests].

“This could even be done as an interim measure to clear the waiting list.

“The reality is that the crisis in public transport and the long delays in driver testing is creating dangerous situations on our roads.”