Kilkenny drivers face massive NCT test backlog

The earliest date that motorists can book an NCT test in Kilkenny is currently January 23, 2023 - according to the NCT website.

With the exception of motorists taking advantage of late cancellations, this means that drivers face waiting at least five months before their vehicle is inspected.

The issue of lengthy backlogs is also present at the majority of NCT centres across the nation.

Almost 30 of the NCT centres had no availability at the time of checking until 2023.

The RSA said: “NCT test appointment slots are released continually across all centres. Many slots also become available through cancellations or rescheduling of appointments. Some customers may only find dates that are beyond the due date for their NCT.

"Should customers require an earlier appointment than online, we are asking them to contact NCT on 014135992 or go online and place themselves on our priority list, we will endeavour to get them an appointment within the next 28 days."

HEATWAVE: Water restrictions begin in Kilkenny

The RSA claimed that the vast majority of customers on the priority list get an appointment at their preferred test centre within four to five weeks. It added that the overall average booking lead time for an NCT was just over 23 days.

In the first half of this year, around 731,000 NCTs were conducted, but 338,000 were failures, which means they will have to be retested. Tyres, front suspension, headlights and brakes were the most common problems.

The full list of next available slots across the country (as of 5.30pm, August 10) is below:

Abbeyfeale - December 19

Arklow – January 18

Athlone – January 23

Ballina – October 25

Ballinasloe – January 6

Cahir – January 4

Cahirciveen – December 5

Carlow – January 4

Carndonagh – December 8

Carrick-on-Shannon – January 16

Castlerea – November 30

Cavan – January 31

Charleville – January 17

Clifden – October 25

Average Kilkenny rent up 104% from lowest point

Cork – Blarney – January 20

Cork – Little Island – January 24

Deansgrange – February 1

Derrybeg – December 21

Donegal Town – January 3

Drogheda – January 30

Dundalk – February 20

Ennis – November 22

Enniscorthy – January 4

Fonthill – February 2

Galway – December 1

Greenhills – February 2

Kells – January 18

Killarney – January 16

Letterkenny – December 21

Limerick – November 30

Longford – January 18

Macroom – January 30

Monaghan – February 9

Mullingar – January 3

Naas – February 3

Navan – January 30

Kilkenny Sunflower Field to open to visitors this weekend

Nenagh – November 29

Northpoint (Dublin) - February 9

Portlaoise – December 21

Skibereen – February 7

Sligo – December 5

Tralee – December 7

Tuam – December 1

Tullamore – December 21

Waterford – December 8

Westport – November 4

Youghal – January 24