Strong calls for NCT centre to be opened in Belmullet

The owner of a Belmullet-based car dealership has called for the establishment of a National Car Test (NCT) centre in Belmullet, to serve motorists in the wider region of Erris in north county Mayo.

In a recent social media post, Michael Conroy, of Michael Conroy Motors, highlighted how residents and businesses in the Erris region must travel significant distances to access the nearest NCT centres in Ballina or Westport.

He argues that some of these round journeys can exceed 150km and can take up to three hours.

“At present, test appointments in both Ballina and Westport are typically booked up to three months in advance,” Conroy said in his post.

“Establishing an NCT centre in Belmullet would not only serve the local community but also help ease the backlog in these existing centres.”

The Erris Chamber of Commerce has since backed Conroy’s calls for the opening of an NCT centre in Belmullet, while Senator Mark Duffy also raised the issue in the Seanad Chamber.