Garages and other related services may remain open during January 2021 under new Level 5 COVID 19 restrictions announced by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on December 30th. The latest rules are in line with those in place in early December and include an extended list of essential services, which means that garages, bodyshops, motor factors, recovery services, parts and equipment suppliers and other businesses related to the repair of motor vehicles are allowed to remain open.

The list of essential retailers updated by the Department of the Taoiseach on 30 December 2020 states that “Outlets providing for the repair and maintenance of mechanically propelled vehicles or bicycles and any related facilities (including tyre sales and repairs)” are classed as essential and can operates as normal.

NCT centres will also remain open and are taking bookings as normal in the month of January. Those attending NCT centres are advised to check social distancing and other safety protocols on the NCT website, before arrival.  

With the rapid increase in Coronavirus cases it will of course be vitally important that garages, bodyshops and other related businesses continue to operate under strict social distancing and hygiene protocols to restrict the possibility of virus transmission. This will require a new focus on safe vehicle hand over procedures and pre and post repair vehicle sanitisation.