Ten years ago NCT testing came to Ireland for the first time. Back then only 4% of first-time tests passed the NCT. Now that figure is over 70%. A new Spanish company, Applus+ took over the franchise on January 4th this year. Because of rising demand Applus+ is expanding the number of centres for testing.

The Mininster for Transport, Noel Dempsey officially opened their first new Test Centre in Tallaght this month. NCT are currently looking for an additional suitable location in the East Galway area. Applus+ is experiencing a huge rise in the first quarter of this year in applications for testing. New laws that put up to 5 penalty points on your licence for failing to have an NCT cert has seen the biggest demand for testing since the scheme started in 2000.

Applus+ expects to test over 1 million cars at their nationwide centres in 2010.