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Book your test at Downey’s Auto Stop
Is your commercial vehicle due for its annual roadworthiness test? If
so, why not give Downey’s Auto Stop in Portlaoise a call today to
book your test.
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delivery van outside DowneyÕs Auto Stop in Portlaoise |
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Best known as a Ford dealership, Downey’s Auto Stop has firmly established
itself as the number one commercial vehicle test centre in Co. Laois.
Located in Portlaoise, just off the busy Dublin-Cork and Dublin-Limerick
routes, the test centre was first opened 15 years ago and in that time
has built up a large customer base, primarily in the haulage, construction
and courier sectors.
“We’re very happy with the support we have received from commercial
vehicle owners in Laois and the surrounding counties of Kildare, Offaly
and Tipperary,” says Richard Downey, who heads up Downey’s Auto
Stop along with his brother Gerry.
“We’ve invested heavily in providing the best possible facilities
for our customers, whose business we value and appreciate very much. The
safety of our customers is of paramount importance to us. Our priority
is to ensure that they are safe on the road. We work closely with the
Road Safety Authority and Tommy Dowling from Laois County Council on safety
issues.”
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Brake
readings at DowneyÕs Auto Stop vehicle test centre
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Downey’s Commercial Vehicle Testing and Tachograph Calibration Centre
caters for all commercial vehicles, ranging from vans, 4x4s to HGVs and
trailers. Each of the testing bays are fitted with the very latest in
computerised testing equipment, which comply with the latest EU regulations.
The centre’s technicians will be more than happy to answer any questions
you may have before and after the test. Vehicle owners can relax in the
waiting area while their test is being completed.
“Brendan Cross and Michael Fogarty are our dedicated testers,”
Richard explains.
“They have many years of experience in that field. They regularly
attend courses to keep up to speed with the latest developments and changes
in vehicle testing.”
The testing centre is open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, from 8
in the morning. Prices (including VAT) range from EUR85.74 for LGVs to
EUR200.11 for HGVs over 7,500 tonnes with three axles. The rates for each
vehicle category have been set by the Road Safety Authority and not by
the testing centres, which don’t charge anything extra.
Customers are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Richard elaborates:
“Our objective is to cater for everyone as quickly as possible. We
don’t want to keep them waiting.”
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DowneyÕs
Auto Stop is one of the best known Ford dealerships in the
country
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Downey’s Auto Stop was established in 1982 by Richard and Gerry
Downey. It became a Ford dealership in 1988 and since then, has increased
its services to provide a one-stop shop for vehicle care.
The company’s mission statement, ‘committed to excellence in
customer care’, underlines everything it does, and this has been
the cornerstone for its success. Downey’s continually invests in
all relevant technology and are committed to ongoing staff education and
training to enable them to provide the best service possible for their
customers. This has enabled the company to become one of Ireland’s
leading Ford dealerships.
Downey’s has a large stock of new and used Transit, Transit Connect
and other leading Ford commercials at all times, and won’t be beaten
on price anywhere within the 32 counties.
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Brendan
Cross carrying out brake testing
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“We’re in a position to compete with anyone, and that includes
the garages in Northern Ireland. When it comes to commercial vehicle sales,
we won’t be beaten on price by anyone. Offering value for money is
a big thing with us. The Transit continues to be Ireland’s best selling
commercial, having been the market leader for the past 15 years or more.
And we’re very proud to represent this excellent brand.”
Downey’s Auto Stop Test Centre operates from a state-of-the-art premises
which is located on a one-acre site on the Dublin Road, Portlaoise. “There
is plenty of space for people to leave their trucks and trailers for testing
if they so wish,” Richard adds.
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Michael
Fogarty busy at work
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Downey’s comprises a 24-hour Texaco service station with Centra
Foodstore, a new and used vehicle sales and parts department, a workshop
incorporating the latest diagnostic equipment, valeting service, free
fit tyre and exhaust centre, a Ford authorised bodyship and, of course,
a VTN centre.
One of Downey’s big selling points is its location in the centre
of Ireland. Richard explains: “We’re situated just off the M7
on the old Dublin Road in Portlaoise. Before Portlaoise was bypassed,
all traffic travelling from Dublin to Cork and Limerick passed our front
gate. The M7 is the main road between Dublin and the South, and many of
our customers travel on it on a daily basis. There is no traffic congestion
in Portlaoise any more, so we’re easily accessible.”
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Downey’s test centre is part of the Vehicle Testing Network, which
has been established throughout Ireland in recent years. Each VTN centre
uses the VTM (Vehicle Test Manager) software application which has been
developed to satisfy the requirements set out by the Department of Transport
for vehicle roadworthiness testing of both light and heavy commercial
vehicles. The application was approved on January 23 2004 after a thorough
testing process.
VTM is user friendly and designed to easily incorporate future enhancements
and future State requirements and regulations. Because VTM was developed
in conjunction with authorised test centres, testers and mechanics, the
application not only satisfies the testers’ requirements, it supersedes
them.
To book your next test at Downey’s VTN Centre, phone Olga on 057-8664899.
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