Motor tax over-the-counter services in Tramore to close this month

CUTBACKS have been blamed for the decision by Waterford County Council to close its over-the-counter motor tax service in Tramore later this month.

The civic offices in Tramore will no longer offer the walk-in facility from February 21, while a counter service in Dungarvan is also being scaled back with the office closing at 2.30pm daily.

Council director of services Frank Curran said depleted funds have caused the cuts.

“Regrettably, in light of reducing resources, the council is no longer in a position to provide the same level of counter service as before.”

He also said that since January 2008 Waterford County Council has lost 104 employees (14%) through retirement, resignation and non-renewal of contract.

The council has invested heavily in IT systems for online service delivery and Mr Curran called on the public to use this to access council facilities.

“Free internet access is available in the civic offices in Dungarvan and Tramore and in all public libraries throughout the county, yet online business has not reached anything like its full potential.”

Customers in the east of the county will still be able to use the online facilities in the Tramore civic offices free of charge, according to Mr Curran.