Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I first offer my sympathies to our colleague Senator Teresa Costello on the passing of her father, John Francis.

I wish to raise an issue that has been highlighted with me today and that has been publicised all over County Mayo by Michael Conroy of Conroy Motors, which is based in Belmullet, Erris, County Mayo. I refer to the lack of NCT facilities in Belmullet. There are currently two NCT facilities in the county, one in Ballina and one in Westport. If you are living in Belmullet or in the barony of Erris, if you are in Aghleam, Doohooma Head, Glenamoy or Ballycroy, you have to travel a seriously long distance just to get an NCT. It can take up to an hour and half for some people to drive to the nearest centre. That is a three-hour return journey just to head to Westport or Ballina. If the car fails the test, the person will have to return for a retest.

I spoke with Michael Conroy about this matter earlier. As a businessman, he has many examples of elderly customers in his area who are afraid to travel the roads, the R312 and the N59 in and out of Belmullet. Those roads are in a total state of disrepair in both directions. Belmullet, because of its size and geography, is almost the size of County Louth. It is a huge geographical area, and because of the nature of it, so many people have to use cars. Those who live in this sparsely populated area are dependent on their cars.

I have been in touch with the relevant Departments. In that context, I ask that consideration be given to putting in place an NCT testing centre in Belmullet. This would help with waiting times, which are between ten and 12 weeks in both Westport and Ballina. It would help to alleviate the pressures on those facilities while also improving the services and conditions in Belmullet.

I compliment Councillor Gerry Coyle, who has persistently advocated for this at Mayo County Council level, and Councillor Sean Carey, both of whom are based in Erris. This matter needs to be examined and a solution needs to be found. I would welcome a debate on it.