Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015
590. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Road Safety Authority plans new regulations regarding farm trailers for transporting livestock being pulled by a jeep or tractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39300/15]
View answerFrom 1st January 2016, revised regulatory standards come into force for new and existing agricultural vehicles in a number of key safety areas including: braking; lighting and visibility; weights, dimensions and coupling; as well as plating and speed rating. These standards are being introduced following a comprehensive review, including a public consultation undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA), which examined the current legislation, policy and practice relating to the use of agricultural vehicles on public roads.
The majority of correctly maintained tractors already in use comply with the revised standards. However, due to varying construction standards, some may need remedial work carried out if they are intended to be used at laden weights exceeding 19 tonnes or travelling at speeds exceeding 40km/h.
I understand the RSA has made a number of resource materials available detailing the new regulatory requirements on their website www.rsa.ie, including an information booklet entitled "Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles" and accompanying videos which contains practical advice on achieving compliance with the revised standards.
