A Donegal County Councillor has said economic disadvantages in the West Donegal area are to blame for safety issues in cars.
The Derrybeg NCT centre had Ireland’s lowest pass rate in 2022, new figures reveal.
Just 40% of vehicles passed inspection at the centre last year.
Local councillor Michael Cholm Mac Giolla Easpuig said there are several detrimental factors impacting drivers.
“We need to look at this from an economic perspective. Gaoth Dobhair has a very low wage base, which means people in the West can’t afford good quality cars to stand up the bad roads we have.
“The back of Errigal road that most people travel on a regular basis, especially the Milford end of the municipal district, is in shocking condition. That is leading to our cars being in bad shape.
“I believe there is a lack of political will to seek investment in that road on the Milford side.”
Cllr Mac Giolla Easpuig said the lack of funding for the local improvement scheme is also leading to car damage.
“A lot of people have really bad quality roads to their homes. Donegal County Council doesn’t own these roads and because the LIS scheme is so pathetically funded it’s leading to worse conditions.”
Cllr Mac Giolla Easpuig said the vehicle testers at the Derrybeg centre should be commended for their thorough work.
“The local staff are really well qualified and I want to commend them. There has to be an argument on how the centres are privatised and trying to move away from fully-qualified mechanics.”
