“The waiting times to sit a driving test, they’re a barrier to work, education, training and independence.”

Those were the thoughts of Sinn Féin Councillor Kate O’Mahoney who has spoken out on the current waiting time for a driving test in Dungarvan.

Speaking to WLR, the Dungarvan Lismore representative revealed that as of the 31st of July, 982 people were on the waiting list with only 163 tests scheduled.

“It’s a complete inconvenience. It’s putting pressure on people of all ages. People have had to turn down job offers, defer college courses, apprenticeships. And it’s completely putting people’s lives on hold,” Cllr O’Mahoney stated.

The West Waterford politician revealed she wrote to Department of Transport Minister Sean Canney regarding the issue, regarding the issue as a matter of urgency.

O’Mahoney provided the update that as of the end of August, there are now 776 people on the waiting list for a driving test in Dungarvan, with 322 tests actually scheduled.

“The Minister stated the current average waiting time at Dungarvan has reduced to 12 weeks, but this is above the current national average waiting time of 10 weeks. Waiting three months or more for a driving test is not good enough. And it’s too late for many young people who’ve had to delay the next stage of their lives due to not having the opportunity to obtain their licence.”

“We cannot see waiting times increase any further. It’s gone beyond what is acceptable”

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.