how do I drive a new import car to the NCT Centre without registration plates?

Not really true. Jap cars never get towed to VRT centres. OP ask your customs agent or supplier to email you a set of temporary Japanese plates. Print them out and stick them to wear the plates would usually go.

The lack of tax insurance and NCT is a separate issue. Do you have motor trade insurance?

If you are in the business of buying & selling cars then yes you can but not if you are just importing a car for yourself

Get the car picked up at port, stop at a nct test centre along the way and do the vrt, run over to the auto factors get plates, transfer insurance, I was driving mine 6 hours after pick up in Dublin.

Timing and organisation is everything.

Sure you can, you could also have your car confiscated and end up in court facing fines/jail, but minor details.

People do it all the time and its up to you if you want to take the risk. But obviously you know its illegal and you could be banned from driving etc?

But it's not an Irish registered vehicle until VRT is paid so no NCT is needed. Additionally it can't have an EU recognised vehicle test yet as it's not an EU registered vehicle.