asked the Minister for Local Government if he will make a statement on the proposal of the EEC to expend millions of pounds on roads and bridges in order to carry increased transport; if this will necessitate vast increases in road expenditure in this country and if it will be spent on (a) main trunk roads, (b) county roads or (c) lanes and bye-roads leading to farms where creamery, beet and other important transport must be undertaken; and if he will outline details of any such proposals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Transport Policy.
154.
No such proposal exists. Certain EEC proposals aimed at achieving a common transport policy within the Community are at present under consideration affecting, inter alia, the maximum weights and dimensions of commercial road vehicles. If an increase in axle weight above the current limit of ten tons which applies in Ireland and in some other countries were to be agreed, this could have implications in the future for road construction and maintenance costs for selected routes.
Has the Minister made an estimate of the financial implications for Ireland of these proposals?
An estimate has been given.
Can the Minister state if the money will come from rates or from a central fund?
It would be rather foolish at the moment to discuss where it would come from because discussions are going on regarding this question. We will not know the implications for Ireland until the decision is made. Pending the conclusion of discussions regarding weights of vehicles and other matters referred to in the question, it would be better not to make any comment on financial matters arising out of such decisions. These matters will have to be settled in the future.
155.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he has made any representations to the European Economic Community regarding the use of Irish roads by 40-ton lorries with axle weights of 11 tons and exceeding 50 feet in overall length and, if so, with what result; and if he will give an estimate of the cost of providing the facilities necessary to accommodate them.
Ireland has participated under the consultative procedure in the consideration of guidelines adopted by the member states of the European Economic Community in relation to the maximum weights and dimensions to be permitted for commercial vehicles after 1980, which is an element of the developing common transport policy. At a meeting with the Transport Ministers of the Community held on 6th of this month, the Ministers of the three acceding states presented their respective cases. Following that meeting, the Ministers of the Six decided to meet again on the 18th December.
Until finality is reached, it will not be possible to estimate the financial implications for this country. It has, however, been estimated that if a maximum axle weight of 11 metric tons is adopted, the consequential cost of strengthening roads and bridges on the main roads system could be of the order of £30 million over a period of 20 years.