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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1926

Vol. 14 No. 15

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - LORRY TRAFFIC ON ROADS.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the growing burden of local taxation is mainly due to damage caused by lorry and motor traffic on roads, and whether, as the roads were not made for such exceptionally heavy traffic, he will take steps to introduce legislation to ensure that lorries capable of carrying more than one ton will bear their due share of the increased cost of upkeep of the roads.

From the figures available in regard to the cost of road maintenance and construction at the present time and, say ten years ago, the increased cost is due to the rise in expenditure on wages and materials. The introduction of legislation affecting motor vehicles is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

Would the Minister consider the advisability of going a step further than that suggested by Deputy Cosgrave, namely, limiting all motor traffic to lorries carrying one ton? I would suggest to the Minister that the present condition of the roads is largely due to traffic by motor lorries?

I think that is also a question for the Minister for Finance.

Would the Minister say if the Roads Committee of his Department had this matter under consideration for a considerable time, and if he has received any representations under the 1925 Act from any County Council in the Saorstát asking for permission to prohibit heavy motor lorry traffic on any of their roads? What is the result of their deliberations?

Would the Minister consider the advisability of making regulations whereby the roads were only to be intended for prams?

I would want notice of Deputy Corish's question.

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