The motor tax office at Galway County Council will from tomorrow no longer issue or renew driving licences or learner permits as the responsibility will be transferred to the National Driving Licensing Service (NDLS ) centres as part of the Government’s plans to centralise the system and bring in more stringent security measures.
At the council meeting on Monday councillors were told that from Friday, October 25, the local authorities will no longer be involved in issuing driving licences and that starting from Tuesday, October 29, NDLS centres will take over the service. There will be a full-time NDLS centre located in Ballybrit Business Park and another part-time centre located at the Station House Hotel in Clifden.
Councillor Eileen Mannion welcomed the news that there will be an office in Clifden “as it would be of great benefit to the people” there and in surrounding areas.
These centralisation plans began in January of this year when the Road Safety Authority was tasked with delivering the driving licence and learner permit service. As well as moving from paper to plastic card, it is hoped that the new system will result in better security and safety as it will be harder for fraud to occur. Motorists will have to present themselves at any NDLS centre bringing with them additional documentation to confirm identity such as proof of address, passport, and old driving licence or permit. The process also involves a face-to-face meeting with a customer service agent as well as having a digital photograph and signature captured.
The centres will open to the public from next Tuesday onwards. They will be open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 2pm on Saturdays. They will also remain open through lunchtime. For more information log onto www.ndls.ie
