Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
699. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his opinion on the HGV Road User Levy Act introduced in the United Kingdom; if it is within the spirit of EU law; if he has raised the possible effect on southern based Irish hauliers at EU level; the success he has had in having southern hauliers exempt especially on the N2/A5 road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50831/13]
View answerSince 1999 various EU directives have set common rules on distance-related tolls and time-based user charges (vignettes) for HGVs for the use of certain infrastructure. It is open to any Member State to introduce road use charges if it wishes. Road charging is an important option in relation to funding of roads infrastructure, particularly in the context of ensuring that out of state hauliers contribute to the costs of a country’s road infrastructure. In respect of the United Kingdom's introduction of road charging, I have been in contact with my counterpart in the United Kingdom, both in response to the initial public consultation and more recently, to point out the difficulties this will create for Republic of Ireland hauliers - especially those based in the border area. Furthermore, I asked that the contribution made to date, and planned future contribution, by the Government towards roads infrastructure costs in Northern Ireland (namely in relation to the A5 in Northern Ireland) should be taken into account and some provision therefore be made in relation use of roads by Irish-registered HGVs. The UK Minister has responded, indicating a willingness to consider certain, regional cross-border specified roads in Northern Ireland. He has not proposed inclusion of the A5. However I have not yet received any formal proposal from the Minister in this regard.
My officials continue to liaise with their UK counterparts on this issue. Any influence that the Deputy can bring to bear on the UK authorities through his colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive would of course be welcome.
