NCT firm hit weekly revenues of €1.75m as testing backlog row raged
The firm that operates the National Car Test (NCT) contract last year clocked up weekly revenues of €1.75m as it bid to clear a backlog in NCT tests.
New accounts show that Applus Inspection Services Ireland Ltd last year recorded pre-tax profits of €1.02m following a pre-tax loss of €981,010 in the prior year.
This followed revenues at the Spanish-owned company increasing by 15pc, or €11.65m, in 2023 – from €79.32m to €90.97m.
The operation of the contract had been the source of controversy during 2023 with junior minister Jack Chambers stating last June that delays for motorists in getting mandatory NCT for their vehicles are “absolutely unacceptable”.
However, a spokeswoman for Applus said yesterday: “The waiting list for appointments for the NCT was effectively eliminated before Christmas.
She said: “In 2023, NCTS saw the highest volume of testing ever – with almost 1.6 million full tests carried out, nearly 200,000 more tests than in 2022 or 2021.
“The first quarter of 2024 saw the highest throughput in a single quarter in the 24-year history of the NCTS – and over 80,000 more inspections were carried out compared with the same quarter in 2023.
“Applus have recruited extensively in the Philippines for qualified mechanics to address the critical shortage of skilled staff in Ireland.
“There are currently over 650 vehicle inspectors employed – the highest number ever in the history of the NCTS – and there are 40 more due to commence training this May-June. Plus recruitment is still ongoing,” said the spokesperson.
“These extra staff have made a real difference in the volume of tests carried out – and waiting times have been virtually eliminated in most centres.
“Numbers employed by Applus increased by 37 from 812 to 849, and staff costs increased by 16pc from €37.03m to €43.95m. The NCT fee for a full test is €55 and a re-test costs €28.”
The 10-year NCT contract operated by Applus concluded in June 2020 and the firm successfully re-tendered for a new 10-year contract.
The company last year recorded an operating profit of €671,822 before net interest payments of €358,112 are taken into account. The operating profit takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of €4.4m.
Shareholder funds totalled €5.19m.
Get ahead of the day with the morning headlines at 7.30am and Fionnán Sheahan's exclusive take on the day's news every afternoon, with our free daily newsletter.