McDermott Commercials Ltd in Newtowncunningham, Co. Donegal recently added another string to its bow with the opening of Ireland’s newest Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test (CVRT) centre, which tests trucks, trailers, vans and buses.
The centre, which began operations last summer, is open five days a week from 8am to 5.30pm and complements McDermott Commercials’ commercial garage, authorised Iveco dealership and long-term vehicle hire business. The state-of-the-art test centre for Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) has been authorised by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and can test your vehicle at a time that suits you.
“We’re a one-stop shop operating from a new purpose-built facility in Newtowncunningham. We’re in a great location where a lot of vehicles pass our door on their way from Donegal to the North and Dublin. We’re a stone’s throw from the border, meaning we have customers on both sides of it,” owner David McDermott enthuses.
“The test centre has been a fantastic addition to our business. It has received great support since opening last July. We can test, service or repair everything from a van to the largest truck. We have two bays for testing and four for commercial repairs and servicing.
“We’re also main dealers for Iveco and offer long-term vehicle hire to the likes of the HSE and BWG Foods. All aspects of the business are very busy. We pride ourselves on our personal, friendly and value-for-money service.”
The CVRT inspection includes checking brakes, lights, markings, wheels and tyres, steering and suspension, chassis and underbody, tachograph, speed limiter, exhaust emissions, electrical systems, glass, mirrors and more. McDermott Commercials’ service also includes safety checks, tachograph installation and tachograph calibration, road speed limiters, vehicle plating, pre-testing and number plates.
Quality, consistency and unbiased vehicle testing are the core values of the McDermott Commercials team who are customer-focused, compliant, thorough and offer a comprehensive and courteous service. At all times, the test centre adheres to stringent requirements as stipulated by the RSA. Excellence in service and the highest possible standards are a given at the Co. Donegal-based operation.
The premises includes a waiting area that makes customers feel at home along with a modern workshop that stocks a wide range of parts and modern equipment used for repairs and service work.
“We have two full-time testers and an administrator, all three boast a wealth of experience having all come from CVRT Centre backgrounds,” David explains.
“Between everything, we currently employ 13 staff but expect that to grow in the near future as we see sales of Iveco, the CVRT Centre and all aspects Mc Dermott Commercials growing rapidly. We have a fantastic team who have made us the go-to destination for all your testing, commercial repairs, Iveco and long-term vehicle hire needs. We provide a full range of services to keep our customers’ vehicles running safely and efficiently on the road. Our mechanics are fully qualified in all areas of commercial vehicle maintenance.”
Coyle Coal, Inishowen Oil, Harkin Transport, Doherty Roe Fresh Produce and Frames Direct are just some of the fleets who rely on McDermott Commercials for their test requirements. The test centre’s customer-base ranges from hauliers and bus operators to contractors and small business owners.
McDermott Commercials has come a long way since David and his wife Sarah set it up as a commercial garage in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in July 2020. A mechanic by trade and holding a degree in electrical and electronic engineering, David is very hands-on and oversees the commercial repairs side of the business. Sarah looks after the financial and administration side of the business.
“I have 25 years’ experience in commercial repairs, having been brought up around lorry repairs in the good old days, when things were much simpler,” the affable Buncrana man says.
“When we started this business, the test centre wasn’t on our radar. It just happened over time. We took on the Iveco dealership two years ago and it’s going very well for us. The new S-Way, which is the on-road heavy-duty leader of the MY24 Iveco Way range of tractor units and rigids, is proving to be a big hit.
“The S-Way not only boasts an eye-catching design, but also new advanced features such as the powerful yet efficient new xCursor 13 engine, improved aerodynamics, state-of-the-art GPS predictive driving, and even greater comfort levels. We sold the first two Model MY24s to be registered in Ireland to Coyle Coal at the end of last year, which we are extremely proud of. These were 580hp tractor units loaded with all the extras and are as eye catching a lorry as you will see on the road.
“The Daily van range is also performing very well with Doherty Roe Fresh Produce having nearly their entire fleet with the Iveco badge and another in the order book. Likewise BWG foods are running almost all Iveco Dailys and again are adding another to their fleet very soon.”
Customers a, delighted with the performance of the Daily and the back up supplied by McDermott Commercials.
As McDermott Commercials continues to go from strength to strength, David and Sarah would like to take this opportunity to thank their customers and suppliers for their support as well as their dedicated team for their hard work and expertise.
For your next CVRT test, be sure to give them a call.
McDermott Commercials Ltd
Tonyhabboc,
Newtowncunningham,
Co. Donegal,
F93 ADT2.
Telephone: 074 910 8736
Email: [email protected]
First published in Irish Trucker magazine November/December 2026, Vol 29-6
featured, McDermott Commercials
