Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 5

Written Answers - Manufacturing Projects.

John Gormley

Question:

237 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the availability of electrically assisted pedal tricycles which are being manufactured by a company (details supplied) in Dublin 2 for use in the despatch or delivery sector in urban areas; the classification of these vehicles for the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25500/98]

John Gormley

Question:

250 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the electrically assisted pedal tricycle being manufactured by a company (details supplied) in Dublin 2 for use in the despatch or delivery sector in urban areas; the driver licensing requirements that will apply to this type of vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25502/98]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 250 together.

My Department has had no previous indication of the availability of this vehicle on the Irish market. In principle, an electrically assisted tricycle is a mechanically propelled vehicle for the purposes of the Road Traffic Acts. As such, any person driving such a vehicle in a public place should hold a driving licence, and the vehicle may be liable for vehicle registration tax and motor tax. It would be appropriate for those marketing this vehicle to contact the Revenue Commissioners and the relevant local licensing authority in order to assess these possible requirements in more detail.