Wicklow TD Criticises Backlog In Wait Times For NCT Tests

The wait time for an NCT test has passed 5 months in 31 centres across the country.

Applus, the company who run the service, says 50 new vehicle inspectors started work in the past week of 2022, which they say will help reduce demand.

As of this lunchtime today, 31 of the 49 NCT centres in Ireland don’t have an available slot until June.

The longest wait time is in Drogheda, where drivers can’t get an appointment before the 31st of August.

NCTs aren’t valid from the date of the test, but rather from when the test was due to take place. It means drivers could find themselves in a NCT centre twice in just 7 or 8 months.

Spanish company Applus, which run the centres have increased their staff by 70 last year and say they’re recruitment efforts are continuing to tackle the backlog.

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore says the issue needs to be addressed.