asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will introduce legislation to amend the transport laws so as to grant permission to private lorry and tractor owners for the haulage of all agricultural produce and livestock; and if he is aware that the general question of facilities for the haulage of cattle for reward by road to and from local fairs and marts should be reviewed so as to avoid difficulties for farmers and others who are seriously inconvenienced in present circumstances; and if he will now deal with the matter urgently.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Private Lorry and Tractor Haulage.
19.
I do not propose to introduce amending legislation on the lines suggested by the Deputy.
As regards haulage of cattle by road for reward to and from local fairs and marts, in addition to the facilities available from CIE and from licensed hauliers, a farmer may, by virtue of section 27 of the Transport Act, 1958, transport livestock for his neighbours resident within two miles by road, for reward, by tractor and trailer to or from a farm from or to a market, fair or mart within a distance of 20 miles by public road from the carrier's residence on the day on which the market, fair or mart takes place, provided the tractor being used for the carriage is one in respect of which the rate of duty applicable to tractors used only for haulage in connection with agriculture, i.e. £2 10s. 0d. per annum, is chargeable. In addition, CIE have, in certain cases, plated lorries to carry livestock for reward to and from fairs and marts and are considering extending these arrangements in consultation with the managers of a number of cattle marts.