16/05/2014
Dáil Hears Call For Express Postal Service For Driving License Applicants
An express postal service should be established for driving license applications and renewals, Fianna Fáil have said.
The issue was raised in the Dáil by Galway East Deputy Michael Kitt the new NDLS system has caused great confusion and long waiting lists in Galway.
"Under these new rules all drivers applying for a learners’ permit, new licence or licence renewal must now attend one of these new NDLS centres. There is just one NDLS centre in Galway located in Ballybrit. People are finding it very difficult to find the office due to poor signage and many drivers are still turning up at the county hall on Prospect Hill, which ceased processing licences in November last," Deputy Kitt said.
Adding: "I know there are many drivers who have travelled long distances to attend the NDLS centre in Ballybrit but have been unable to find it. I also believe that just one office for the Galway region is totally inadequate. It’s led to lengthy waiting times, with many drivers being forced to wait hours to be seen.
"I don’t see why the entire process must be done in person. I strongly believe there should be an option to submit applications through registered post. This could be a similar system to passport applications, with the added security of a photograph for the application being verified by a garda signature. This would be a much more practical and efficient system and would avoid people having to travel long distances and wait in queues to submit their applications.
"The lack of a postal service creates specific problems when it comes to Irish people who are working or studying abroad and need to have their licence renewed. Young Galway emigrants living in Australia, Canada, the US and other countries currently have no option but to fly home and attend the Ballybrit office to apply for their licence," said Deputy Kitt.
In reply to Deputy Kitt’s questions in the Dáil, Minister of State Ciarán Cannon committed to better signage for the NDLS centre in Ballybrit. He also agreed to Deputy Kitt’s request to raise the issue of a possible postal service with the Road Safety Authority and the Minister for Transport.
(MH/CD)
The issue was raised in the Dáil by Galway East Deputy Michael Kitt the new NDLS system has caused great confusion and long waiting lists in Galway.
"Under these new rules all drivers applying for a learners’ permit, new licence or licence renewal must now attend one of these new NDLS centres. There is just one NDLS centre in Galway located in Ballybrit. People are finding it very difficult to find the office due to poor signage and many drivers are still turning up at the county hall on Prospect Hill, which ceased processing licences in November last," Deputy Kitt said.
Adding: "I know there are many drivers who have travelled long distances to attend the NDLS centre in Ballybrit but have been unable to find it. I also believe that just one office for the Galway region is totally inadequate. It’s led to lengthy waiting times, with many drivers being forced to wait hours to be seen.
"I don’t see why the entire process must be done in person. I strongly believe there should be an option to submit applications through registered post. This could be a similar system to passport applications, with the added security of a photograph for the application being verified by a garda signature. This would be a much more practical and efficient system and would avoid people having to travel long distances and wait in queues to submit their applications.
"The lack of a postal service creates specific problems when it comes to Irish people who are working or studying abroad and need to have their licence renewed. Young Galway emigrants living in Australia, Canada, the US and other countries currently have no option but to fly home and attend the Ballybrit office to apply for their licence," said Deputy Kitt.
In reply to Deputy Kitt’s questions in the Dáil, Minister of State Ciarán Cannon committed to better signage for the NDLS centre in Ballybrit. He also agreed to Deputy Kitt’s request to raise the issue of a possible postal service with the Road Safety Authority and the Minister for Transport.
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 September 2019
Fraud Offences Sees Largest Increase In Recorded Crime
Fraud offences saw the biggest increase in the year to June 2019, according to the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) Recorded Crime report. According to the report, the number of fraud offences recorded by An Garda Síochána rose by 34.4%; from 5,405 to 7,265 recorded incidents. The report also show that drug offences increased by 16.
Fraud Offences Sees Largest Increase In Recorded Crime
Fraud offences saw the biggest increase in the year to June 2019, according to the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) Recorded Crime report. According to the report, the number of fraud offences recorded by An Garda Síochána rose by 34.4%; from 5,405 to 7,265 recorded incidents. The report also show that drug offences increased by 16.
11 October 2019
Time Running Out For NI/UK Licence Exchange
Irish drivers with a UK or Northern Irish driving licence are warned that time is running out for a licence exchange ahead of Brexit.
Time Running Out For NI/UK Licence Exchange
Irish drivers with a UK or Northern Irish driving licence are warned that time is running out for a licence exchange ahead of Brexit.
30 October 2013
NDLS Bring In More Staff After 'IT Glitch' Causes Backlog
The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has drafted in additional staff to help with a backlog created after a series of problems plagued the system on its first day of operation.
NDLS Bring In More Staff After 'IT Glitch' Causes Backlog
The National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) has drafted in additional staff to help with a backlog created after a series of problems plagued the system on its first day of operation.
21 February 2017
EmployAbility Galway Scheme Achieves 100 Jobs Target
A number of employers across Galway City and County have created 100 jobs for people with disabilities, achieving the goal established under the EmployAbility Galway scheme. EmployAbility Galway is one of the 23 organisations that operate the EmployAbility service throughout the State.
EmployAbility Galway Scheme Achieves 100 Jobs Target
A number of employers across Galway City and County have created 100 jobs for people with disabilities, achieving the goal established under the EmployAbility Galway scheme. EmployAbility Galway is one of the 23 organisations that operate the EmployAbility service throughout the State.
07 January 2015
Irish Family Seriously Injured In Australia
Three members of the same family are said to be in a serious condition following a road accident in western Australia. Gerard and Marguerite Brosnan, who are from Killarney in Co Kerry, were in Australia visiting two of their daughters who live in Perth. It is understood the vehicle the family was travelling in collided with another car.
Irish Family Seriously Injured In Australia
Three members of the same family are said to be in a serious condition following a road accident in western Australia. Gerard and Marguerite Brosnan, who are from Killarney in Co Kerry, were in Australia visiting two of their daughters who live in Perth. It is understood the vehicle the family was travelling in collided with another car.