It would appear that the failure to repair craters in our road structure is’nt the only problem haunting North Tipperary County Council presently. Serious concern have now been expressed over the two month backlog in issuing driving licences by the said same County Council.
This issue may well result in those caught up in this delay, incurring penalty points and a hefty fine as a result.
North Tipperary County Council’s Customer Action Plan 2005 – 2009 states that you may apply for a new drivers licence or to renew your licence through the post or by calling to the Motor Taxation Section in Nenagh. On receipt of the completed drivers licence application, the section aim to issue you with your licence within three working days.
While this may be the aim of the said County Council the reality of the situation is far from the stated target.
North Tipperary TD Deputy Noel Coonan stated:
“The Council is currently processing applications for mid January and is endeavouring to address the arrears as soon as possible. People deserve a more efficient service from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government which governs County Councils. Applicants should not to be left without a valid drivers licence through no fault of their own. Constituents are frustrated with waiting times as they try to comply with policing laws, which require persons to be in possession of a driving licence when driving.
I’ve been in contact with the Council to assess the problem, seek a solution and offer any help I can give. Officials informed me that there is currently a backlog in the motor tax section in connection with the issuing of driving licences and this has arisen since last November.
The Head of Finance has informed me that in normal circumstances the staffing levels should be able to deal with the level of transactions in the section but due to circumstances outside of the Council’s control arrears have built up. The Council has recently allocated additional staff to address the arrears. It is also intended to re-assign additional staff to Motor Tax and Council management is seeking clarification from a Trade Union with regard to this proposal.
I welcome this response from Liam McCarthy, Head of Finance and Corporate Services in North Tipperary County Council and the steps he is taking to help the situation. Staff working in Motor Taxation are undoubtedly working as usual to the best of their ability but hindered by inefficient Government policies that continues to fail the people of North Tipperary.
I’m calling on Minister John Gormley to introduce efficiencies into local government to ensure the public gets the service it is entitled to.” Deputy Coonan concluded.
North Tipperary County Council’s Customer Action Plan 2005 – 2009 further states: We strive to continually improve the services we provide to the public and would welcome any comments or observations from our customers which can be submitted via e-mail to countysecretary@northtippcoco.ie or in writing to Corporate Services Section, North Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Limerick Road, Nenagh.
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