The Road Safety Authority has written to Louth Labour TD, Ged Nash to confirm that they expect to have the new driving test centre in Drogheda, up and running by the end of August.

No information was given on whereabouts the new centre will be located but it is thought to be on the South side of the town.

Deputy Nash said: “The RSA have told me that they hope and expect to have the new permanent driving test centre for Drogheda open by the end of August for this year.

“I know there are learner drivers out there anxious to know when they can apply to do their test in Drogheda and many of them have been in touch with my office. The answer to that question is, not yet.

“The RSA confirmed that you won’t be able to apply for a test at the centre, until it is open.”

The Louth Labour TD explained: “It is important to note that you can change your preferred test centre right up to the date of your test so local drivers who may have applied to Navan or Dundalk but prefer to sit their test in Drogheda, can switch once the new centre is open.”

Deputy Nash said: “I have been engaged intensively with the RSA ever since the removal of the temporary test centre, two years ago, to bring a driving test centre back to our town, in a bid to tackle lengthy waiting lists.

“Waiting times for tests nationally and locally, are unacceptably long and the addition of a testing centre in Drogheda will help to clear those lists while delivering a service that the people of Drogheda, South Louth and East Meath have waited for, for far too long.

“The new centre will also have a positive impact on waiting lists in Dundalk where learner drivers from Drogheda have been forced to take their tests for the last two years.”

Deputy Nash concluded: “I’m delighted that we are finally in a place now, where Ireland’s largest town has its own permanent driving test centre.”