Fitzpatrick says driver test waiting list times are much too long

DePUTy Peter Fitzpatrick has asked An Taoiseach to sort out the driving test waiting times which he claims are getting worse and causing hardship for many young people in Louth and Meath.

“As the Taoiseach knows, one of the most important things is achieving a driving licence. In three massive towns, Dundalk, Drogheda and Navan, the situation is getting worse. I got an email yesterday from a young man in Navan and he is saying the exact same thing. He is getting on and trying to apply for a test. every time he is on, they tell him to come back in another week and another week. I passed my driving test when I was 18 and it opened up so many opportunities. There are nearly 3,000 people waiting in Drogheda, there are two other big towns in the region, and the Taoiseach is telling me this will help the situation, but it will get worse and worse,” stated Fitzpatrick.

“This has been going on for two years. The rSA knew what was happening and that, in two years’ time, it would have to find another place. It has been looking with Louth County Council and has found a site. It is only the stroke of a pen, a very simple thing. This young fella from Meath has lost an opportunity to get a job. He has to defer going to college. He has no way of getting transport. The situation could be sorted out in a matter of days. I plead with the Taoiseach to sort out the situation for these young people and the 3,000 people stuck in Drogheda,” he added.

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar rejected Fitzpatrick’s claim that the matter could be sorted out in a matter of days stating that road safety was paramount in any decisions made.

“I passed my driving test at 18 as well, though it was my second attempt. A little bit like my electoral record, it took two attempts to succeed. I understand the importance