Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
932. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on cross-Border disparity in charges payable by haulage firms, which are placing Irish operators at a disadvantage that may result in job losses; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28692/15]
View answerMy Department is currently chairing an Inter-Departmental Group on HGV user charges, which was established in January 2014 to consider the introduction in Ireland of a 'pay-as-you-go' road tax system for HGVs. The group has been examining the technical, regulatory and economic dimensions of introducing a HGV road user charge in Ireland. The work of the group was expanded to include a full review of commercial motor tax, which has led to the group taking longer than anticipated to finalise its proposals. The group held a targeted stakeholder consultation which concluded last February, and has held meetings with stakeholders, including representatives of hauliers and their customers. The report of the group is currently being finalised for submission to me and to the Ministers for Finance and the Environment, Community and Local Government. I expect to receive this report shortly.
