Ballina gets new Driver Testing Agency

8/29/2001 -

Ballina is to be the location for a new public sector agency to be set up by the Government to deliver the country's driver testing service.
The decision to set up a new Agency follows a highly critical report of the service by the Comptroller and Auditor General and a consultants report which recommended a number of sweeping changes.
At present the driver testing service is administered from Ballina by the Department of the Environment.
It is hoped the new agency will cut the waiting times faced by tens of thousands of provisional licence holders .
Last week Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Mr. Robert Molloy said the average waiting time is 12 weeks, though the Dublin testing centres were managing tests within 10 weeks.
He welcomed the recommendations in the Price Waterhouse Coopers report which identified the establishment of a public sector agency as the best option to deliver an improved service capable of flexibility in meeting fluctuating demand for tests.
He emphasised that the agency will have a strong emphasis on quality customer service and will provide value for money.
"Much progress has been made in the last year in reducing waiting times for driving tests," he said.
He went on to say that implementation of the Government decision will be taken forward in a partnership approach. The process of change will take place in full consultation with all partnership interests.