Fine Gael calls for off-road learning centres

Fine Gael spokesperson on road safety says the time has come to set a nationwide network of off-road driver learning centres.

Shane McEntee was responding to the latest statistics that show almost 1,400 people were caught breaching the new laws relating to learner drivers during a two-month period.

Most offenders were caught by either driving unaccompanied or failing to display 'L' plates.

Deputy McEntee has said off-road training centres are the only way to avoid the difficulty that learner drivers are currently experiencing.

"I do feel that out of that 1,400 there could be anywhere in the region of a thousand people who need our help to ensure they get a driving licence and I think the idea of off-road training centres for these people to be put in place everywhere is the way forward," he said.