Bids in for Irish car test centres

Five firms or consortia are bidding for an unusual project to provide and operate vehicle test centres in the Republic of Ireland. The line-up comprises Amey, which is believed to be in partnership with a German firm, SGS Ltd, Dekra, Capita and Irish Car Testing Ltd.

The Republic does not currently have a system for testing private vehicles but it is being obliged to introduce a network of test centres to comply with an EC Directive introduced in December 1996.

A spokesman for the Department of the Environment and Local Government in Dublin said: "We have an existing test system for heavy goods vehicles, buses, coaches and the like, similar to the UK, but not for private cars. We are now out to tender for a network of dedicated test centres which will be countrywide. They will not be like garages, as they will not be allowed to sell anything or undertake repair work, just the testing.

"The contract will be for a 10-year period after which it will be readvertised. The project is open to public and private entities," added the spokesman.

Both the Department and bidders were coy about revealing the probable number of test centres and the likely cost. However, bidders are working to a guideline based on the fact that 90 per cent of the population must be within 30 miles of a test centre. One rough estimate suggested figures of between 60 and 90 centres might be needed.

The contract involves a degree of risk transfer in that bidders have to take a gamble on how many vehicles will use each test centre. The risk is that revenue is raised directly from the car user and is not paid by the Government. Tenders are due back on 25 September and a preferred bidder should be chosen in November.