Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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1027. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the expected timeline for re-opening of NCT and CRVT centres across the country; the measures that have been put in place to assist centres to deal with a backlog when the re-opening is agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6493/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.

My officials and the Road Safety Authority are currently examining the possibility of resuming National Car Test services in light of the roadmap and the national return to work protocols published by government and I hope to make a statement on this matter in the coming weeks.

I am pleased to tell you that Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness (CVR) testing resumed on 18 May 2020, initially only for those vehicles with a test due date prior to 28 March 2020 (i.e. for vehicles that did not benefit from the three-month extension to certificates of roadworthiness).  CVR testing is expected to resume fully over the following weeks for those vehicles with a test due date on or after 28 March 2020.

A 3-month and 4-month extension has been given to CVRT and NCT roadworthiness certificates respectively to mitigate the impact in terms of backlog.  As a result, while the overall throughput in centres may be adversely impacted due to the need for appropriate health measures, it is not anticipated that there will be a significant backlog at the time of re-opening which would be directly attributable to the Covid-19 emergency measures.