Young’s - the DoE test centre in Roscrea

Young’s Garage in Roscrea has been testing vehicles for nearly a quarter of a century and has been a main Opel dealer since 1988. Here, sales director Colin Young gives us the lowdown on what the Co. Tipperary company has to offer.

Father and son Des and Colin Young

For three generations, Young’s Garage in Roscrea has been synonymous with the motor industry in Co. Tipperary. Since 1988, this burgeoning family owned and managed business has held the Opel franchise and has gained a reputation for offering outstanding value and quality in new and used cars and light commercials.

Young’s Garage also excels in the areas of servicing and repairs. The company’s track record of excellent customer satisfaction has helped it gain over 75 years of experience in the motor trade locally, and all Opel requirements are met by a committed and highly efficient team, led by managing director Des Young and his son Colin, who is sales director.
Two years ago, Young’s Garage entered a dynamic new era with the opening of the company’s new state-of-the-art DOE Test Centre. Vehicle testing wasn’t an entirely new venture for Young’s as they had been testing heavy goods vehicles since 1983.

Liz Sunderland and Tricia McAndrew

“Since we were appointed a DOE Test Centre two years ago, we have been extremely busy,” Colin explains.
“Roscrea is a strong motoring town and we are pleased to be able to provide this service to the local people. We have two highly qualified testers who carry out testing on light and heavy goods vehicles. Our customers range from farmers to hauliers and they come back to us time and time again.”
Colin attributes the surge in DOE Testing to changes to weight classifications and the fact that every vehicle over one year old is now tested on an annual basis.

“The weight changes mean that there are now bigger vehicles in the light commercial category. The vehicles we test at our DOE Centre can range from a Caddy van up to a 3.5 tonne truck.
“Another reason why there has been such a big increase in testing is due to the new Department regulations. All commercial vehicles one year or more must now undergo testing once a year. Before this, testing was carried out every four years.”

Parts and workshop manager, Pat Healy

Colin explains that both of the company’s testers attend refresher courses each year in order to renew their licences and to keep up to speed with advances in technology.
“Refresher courses are provided by the Department of Transport which our testers attend. Changes in technology are happening at such a rapid pace that it’s vital our testers go along to the courses. It must also be pointed out that failure to attend will cost a tester his licence.”

Young’s Test Centre is open from 9 to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, with a half hour break from 1.30 to 2pm. Saturday opening times are from 8 to 4pm. A light goods vehicle costs EUR78 to test, while it’s EUR129.40 to have a heavy goods vehicle tested. Both prices are inclusive of VAT.

Young�s Garage has held the Opel franchise since 1988

Under new Department of Transport regulations, DOE Test Centres are to be phased out over the next few years and replaced by VTN Test Centres, something which Young’s Garage is well prepared for.
“We’re ready for the changeover. All our testing equipment is brand new and we have been using a computerized system for the past six years. Our MAHA test lane is identical to the one used in the NCT Centres. The MAHA test lane is suitable for cars, trucks and buses.
“In a few years, garages such as ourselves will be able to tender for NCT work. We have everything in place for this and will be going after the extra business,” Colin says.

The origins of Young’s Garage (Roscrea) Ltd can be traced back to 1931 when Colin’s grandfather, the late William T Young, established a bicycle shop in Templemore. After the War, William purchased a hackney car and the business continued to develop slowly throughout the 1950s and 1960s. A limited company was formed in 1965 with two sons and a daughter taking over the running of the business from their by then deceased father.

Young�s have been testing heavygoods vehicles for the past 23 years

In 1971, Des Young opened the garage in Roscrea which has been going from strength to strength ever since. The Young family now has three outlets in Co. Tipperary – Templemore, Roscrea and Thurles - while other family members operate outlets in nearby Kilkenny. While these are separate entities, they all operate in close liaison.
Located on the Old Limerick Road in Roscrea, Young’s Garage employs a staff of 12 made up of mechanics, testers as well as sales, administration and forecourt personnel. The business incorporates a TOP Oil Service Station and full car wash facility. Last year, the showroom was extended and renovated.

Needless to say, the Opel dealership is a major part of the business and Colin is pleased to report that new car sales remain high.
“There continues to be a big demand for new cars. Opel is a top brand and it helps that we offer a premium service at a competitive rate.
“All of the main Opel car models are selling well as are the Combo and Vivaro commercial vehicles. We’re eagerly looking forward to the launch of the new Antara 4x4 in September. It will replace the Frontera after four years of waiting,” he concludes.
For all your motoring and DOE Testing requirements, contact Colin Young on 0505-21266 (phone) or 0505-21023 (fax). Alternatively, you can email him on info@youngsopelroscrea.com