Mattie McGrath Urges Extension of Driving Licences Amid NDLS Backlog
Mattie McGrath said NDLS closures and overbooked appointment systems have left many unable to renew driving licences after a three-month extension expired. He urged an extension of licence validity and immediate appointment availability to prevent people being uninsured and unable to drive.
NDLS closures and appointments
McGrath described how NDLS services were closed during the pandemic and how a short government extension of driving licences for three months has now elapsed. He said the online booking system is full and people cannot get renewal dates for licences that are expiring.
Local centres and backlog
He cited his NDLS centre in Clarnamela and others around the country as examples of centres that are closed or overbooked. McGrath said many people are being told no date is available for renewals now, next week or the week after.
Consequences for drivers and communities
The deputy warned the situation affects business, families, young people and older people alike - with many people effectively unable to drive because they would be uninsured without a valid licence. He described the position for law-abiding citizens as creating fear and confusion.
Calls for extension and departmental reply
McGrath called for an extension of licence periods so people with tests and paperwork in order are not penalised by the backlog. The chamber noted the minister may respond and that a reply will be sought from the department for further action.
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Goed maith agod. Teachta, the RSA, as we know, closed all NDLS services due to the pandemic. The government did extend people's driving licences for three months, which is very important. But now that three months has elapsed. And in my NDLS centre in Clarnamela and many more around the country we've checked are closed. They're overbooked and they're booked up. They don't give a date for people whose licences are expiring now and next week and the week after and they can't get a date to renew their licences online. This is a very serious situation. because people who don't have a licence can't drive on the road. It's affecting business, families, young people, old people alike. It's very serious. So we need to extend this situation that they can extend their licence period because they have their tests and everything in order but their licences are expiring. They can't get a date for renewal and it's anarchy out there because many people, all good and proper living people won't drive without a licence and it's putting the fear into them. They can't drive, they're not insured with a licence. Thank you Deputy McGrath. They need to get appointments and you need to extend the extension. Clonister. Thanks. Thanks very much Deputy. You make a very good argument. I'm not up to date on that. Minister Nocton is here. She may be. But if not, we'll seek a reply from the department for you. Thank you. Thanks. Thank you. Thank you.
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