RSA turns down proposal for an additional NCT centre in Mayo
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has rejected a proposal for a new NCT centre in Belmullet, despite growing calls from local businesses and residents for improved access to vehicle testing across the Erris region.
It has been argued that a new facility in Belmullet would ease the pressure on centres in Westport and Ballina, where motorists can be waiting for up to twelve weeks for an appointment, while also providing drivers in Erris with a more convenient location for their NCT.
The proposal was submitted by Michael Conroy of Michael Conroy Motors, with the backing of the Erris Chamber of Commerce. He stated that Erris motorists face some of the longest journeys in the country to access NCT services.
In the proposal, Mr Conroy highlighted the size of the Erris region, its scattered population, and the long distances residents must travel to the nearest test centres in Ballina or Westport, both of which are usually booked up three months in advance. Many drivers, he pointed out, face round trips of more than 150km to get their NCT tests.
“Erris stretches from Eachléim to Ballycroy and is home to between 15,000 and 20,000 people,” Mr Conroy wrote in an open letter. “With more than 15 registered garages in the wider area, there’s clear demand for a local testing centre to serve this part of Mayo.”
His proposal drew political attention. Senator Mark Duffy, Fine Gael’s spokesperson for Transport in the Seanad, raised the matter during a committee hearing.
Senator Duffy highlighted the long journeys faced by residents in areas such as Aghleam, Doohooma Head, Glenamoy and Ballycroy, who can spend up to three hours travelling to and from the nearest NCT centres.
He said he had spoken with Mr Conroy and heard of elderly drivers who were afraid to travel along the R312 and N59, roads which he described as being “in a total state of disrepair.”
Minister of State Alan Dillon has confirmed he received formal correspondence from the RSA on the proposal put forward by Mr Conroy.
In its response, the RSA stated that the current NCT network meets its national service standard, which requires that 90pc of motorists live within 50km of a test centre.
Based on demographic data and a population analysis collected at the start of the current NCTS contract, the authority said Belmullet was not identified as needing an additional centre.
The RSA also referenced a recent customer satisfaction survey that showed 84pc of motorists found their nearest test centre to be “very” or “quite” convenient. They said there was no specific demand for a new site in Erris.
Minister Dillon said that while he accepted the RSA’s position, he remains committed to advocating for improved access to NCT services in North Mayo.
“I appreciate the RSA’s response, but I remain concerned about the significant travel distances and long appointment wait times faced by residents and businesses in the Erris region,” he said, “I will be raising this issue directly with Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State Seán Canney in the Department of Transport.”
The current NCTS contract is due for renewal in 2030, when the RSA will review the number and location of test centres nationwide. Minister Dillon said he will ensure that Belmullet is “actively considered” during that process.
“I will continue to press this matter and work with local stakeholders to build a strong case for Belmullet’s inclusion in future planning,” he added.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.