asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that on 30th November, 1928, a steam lorry weighing 13 tons gross and hauling two waggons weighing four tons each, the property of a firm of Dublin coal merchants, caused serious damage to a bridge over the River Brosna, near Mullingar, and if he will state whether it is intended to introduce proposals for legislation prohibiting steam and other lorries of excessive weight using such roads and seriously injuring roads which the ratepayers have to repair and maintain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Damage by Steam Lorries.
My attention has been drawn to an entry in the minutes of the Westmeath County Council of the 21st March to the effect stated by the Deputy. It is not necessary to introduce special legislation in view of the powers conferred upon county councils under Section 7, sub-section (4), of the Roads Act, 1920.
Under this section it is open to a county council or a county borough council to apply to the Minister for an order prohibiting or restricting the use of mechanically propelled vehicles on any public road within the council's area where the road is unsuitable for any reason.