Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
678. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is taking regarding bridge strikes to ensure that disruption caused by these incidents is kept to a minimum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50407/13]
View answer679. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of communication he has had with the Irish road haulage industry regarding bridge strikes and the importance of respecting bridge height warnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50409/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 678 and 679 together.
Bridge strikes are a matter for the owner of the bridge and for Road Authorities i.e. the National Roads Authority and the Local Authorities. Most bridge strikes occur on rail over road bridges which are owned by Irish Rail. The impact of bridge strikes has been raised with road haulage representative bodies in the context of the recent termination of the derogation on vehicle heights. The Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 2008 provide that with effect from November 1st, 2013 the maximum operating height for all vehicles in Ireland is 4.65 metres unless otherwise permitted by law. Furthermore, road traffic legislation provides that bridge strikes incur a mandatory court appearance and on summary conviction a person is liable to a fine not exceeding €5,000 and three penalty points. Where the offence is tried on indictment a person convicted of the offence is liable to a fine not exceeding €50,000 and a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both may be imposed.
I have referred your correspondence to Irish Rail and the National Roads Authority for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
