Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 June 2004
145 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the response from local authorities to the draft guidelines on the application process for special permits for off-road dumpers; the timescale envisaged before these new guidelines are adopted; the proposals currently under discussion; the plans he has to amend legislation in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18851/04]
View answerAll vehicles using public roads are required by law to comply with a range of standards in respect of their construction, equipment, use, weights and dimensions. The requirements are set out in the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 to 2002 and the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003.
Vehicles that do not comply with the requirements in respect of maximum weight, maximum dimensions, suspension, wheels and tyre characteristics may be used in a public place provided that they are covered by a special permit under the 2003 regulations.
Special permits are issued at the sole discretion of a local authority and may include conditions limiting the use of the vehicles to particular places or routes. Applicants for permits are required to give an undertaking to refund to the local authority in question the cost of repairing any damage caused to any public road by the use of a vehicle for which a permit is issued. Vehicles, which are the subject of permits, must comply with all construction, equipment and use standards that are not specifically qualified in the permits. Permits may not include provisions that would result in the use of a defective vehicle.
My Department is engaged in a consultative process with a view to amending the permit scheme so that it is more effective in road safety and operational terms. The draft revised guidelines are intended to address vehicle/road safety, protection of infrastructure investment, environmental concerns, public project economics and job protection.
A decision on revised guidelines will take account of the degree of consensus among the concerned parties including local authorities, the Garda authorities and plant owners. However, as the views of some parties remain to be finalised I am not yet in a position to anticipate the content or timing of any decision. Amending legislation is not necessary for a revision of the guidelines.
