Contractor continues to explore new NCT sites

A contractor, operating on behalf of the Road Safety Authority (RSA), is “continuing to actively explore viable options” in the hope of establishing a new NCT facility, preferably in the Cootehill area, with Bailieborough, Clones, and Carrickmacross also under consideration.

Little progress has been made to develop a new NCT centre in Cootehill.

The project was first advertised and then re-advertised in 2022 before stalling completely the following year, it’s understood, due to construction costs totalling more than €1.2 million.

A site for the development was selected at one stage, after Applus, the company which runs the NCT service and its near 50 centres nationwide, sought suitable industrial buildings or serviced sites.

Requirements included a zoned site, a minimum of 50 metres long by 45 metres wide to accommodate a floor plan of around 4,300 square feet.

A search of the NCT test website last Monday showed the earliest available test slot in Cavan Town was November 5. But Monaghan’s earliest date was January 14, 2025, with Kells showing December 9.

A spokesperson for the RSA confirmed to the Celt this week: “To date, a suitable premises has not yet been secured for a second NCT centre in Cavan. However, the RSA understands that the contractor, Applus+, is continuing to actively explore viable options - including the potential construction of a new centre or identifying an appropriate existing facility - with a particular focus on the Cootehill, Bailieborough, Clones, and Carrickmacross areas.”