Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2012
720 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the concern in the agricultural industry to proposed weight restrictions on single axle, double axle and triple axle agricultural trailers, because of the weight threshold reductions and greater fuel consumption for tractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15208/12]
View answerAction 117 of my Department's Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 provides that the Road Safety Authority will conduct a public consultation process in relation to the use of agricultural vehicles on public roads and introduce policy proposals for the use of these vehicles. The RSA undertook the consultation over a prolonged period from 2008 to 2009, which involved discussion and deliberation with all relevant stakeholders.
Following this review, appropriate maximum weight thresholds for agricultural vehicles are now under consideration in my Department in consultation with the RSA. The issues being considered included vehicle safety, road strength, pavement wear as well as the views and needs of the agricultural sector. There has been ongoing consultation with all stakeholders, including the agricultural sector in this regard. I hope to be in a position to make a decision and statement on this matter in the near future.
