Workers at the Derry offices of the DVLA are the “forgotten people” in plans to restructure the department, a Stormont minister has said.
Northern Ireland environment minister, SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan, said while publicity surrounding threatened closures of the department’s services in Northern Ireland centred round the main office in Coleraine, employees at its offices at Orchard House on Foyle Street were concerned about their future and felt like “forgotten people.
The proposal to shut down the Coleraine office was made in an effort to centralise DVLA services to Swansea.
It has been reported that up to 300 jobs could potentially be affected by the plans.
A DVLA spokesperson said they were considering how best to ensure motorists in Northern Ireland could continue to access the services they need as quickly and conveniently as possible whilst having parity of service with motorists in the rest of the UK.
The spokesperson added: “This would be achieved primarily by introducing a range of new services in Northern Ireland, available either online or through Northern Ireland Post Office branches. However, no decisions have yet been taken.”
Local DVLA offices across England, Scotland and Wales will close by the end of this year with services being made be available online, via third parties such as the Post Office or directly from the DVLA headquarters in Swansea.
The spokesperson said it was hoped a centralised DVLA in Swansea and a more versatile digital system would streamline the services DVLA offer, making it easier for the general public.