Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 5

Written Answers. - Vehicle Roadworthiness Testing.

Jim Higgins

Question:

15 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment if he is prepared to defer the certificate of roadworthiness testing for motor vehicles in rural areas in view of the deplorable conditions of country roads and the ongoing impossibility of carrying out tracking on vehicles and maintaining same because of the road conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Phil Hogan

Question:

104 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment when he intends to introduce tests on motor vehicles in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Flynn)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 104 together.

Since 1 January 1983, about 45,000 heavy goods vehicles, buses, ambulances and taxis over one year old are roadworthiness tested annually in compliance with EC Council Directive 77/143/EEC. I will shortly make regulations to extend compulsory testing to about 50,000 light goods vehicles over four years old, every two years, by 1 January 1995, as required by EC Council Directive 88/449/EEC.

In accordance with EC Council Directive 91/328/EEC, Ireland must introduce the compulsory testing of an estimated 540,000 private cars over four years old, every two years, by 1 January 1998. I intend to publish a discussion document later this year setting out a possible timetable and implementation options.