A total of 2,640 people in Galway are waiting for a driving test, a figure described as “frightening” by Labour Galway City West councillor, Niall McNelis.
The figures, which were released to Labour TD, Seán Sherlock, via a Parliamentary Question, showed 1,180 people are now waiting on a driving test in the Carnmore area; 1,176 people were waiting in Westside of the city; and 284 were waiting in Clifden.
The figures have led Cllr McNelis to demand that the Government “take immediate action” to deal with the “spiralling waiting lists”. He also noted the majority of those waiting for a test are under the age of 30, and this is likely to affect many working in hospitality, retail, and other services.
.
Cllr McNelis said that, with restrictions easing, and society partially re-opening, a plan was essential to “considerably up the throughput” of driving tests, driving lessons and theory tests.
“People should be receiving test dates this week in order to move to reduce this colossal waiting list, but they are not,” said Cllr McNelis, who was also critical of no date to resume tests having been agreed between the Department of Transport and the RSA. “This should have been agreed weeks ago in anticipation of the anticipated easing of restrictions.”
