Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I had a meeting with concerned interested parties yesterday where a serious concern hangs over the future of the driving test centre in Skibbereen. I have been informed that at least one of the two driving testers will move on at the end of December, which will leave the driving centre with skeleton staff. People who booked the driving test in Skibbereen two weeks ago were informed they would have a test three months from now. Those who try to book this week are told it will be at least six months. The Road Safety Authority, RSA, has clarified it is not closing the centre but, as of yet and in spite of queries, it has not quelled speculation that the centre may only open one week in the month.

The Skibbereen driving test centre is the only such centre in west Cork serving people as far east as Innishannon, Bandon and Clonakilty and west as far as Castletownbere, Goleen and Kilcrohane. Parents and young people alike cannot wait six months for a test and nor can they be expected to travel to Cork or Killarney for a driving test. Not alone would this be a disaster for them but also for the local economy in Skibbereen and the excellent driving instructors there. Will the Taoiseach help the many thousands who will be affected by this and step in to get clarity from the Department of Transport on whether the Skibbereen driving test centre is to stay open five days per week from January 2022 onwards?

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