Haulage Industry Regulation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016

Tuesday, 11 October 2016

Questions (606)

Declan Breathnach

Question:

606. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to sign the 42 tonnes derogation on vehicle weights for five axle articulated vehicles into legislation in line with France and other countries; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the restriction to 39 tonnes for these vehicles has resulted in an 8% drop in productivity for these vehicles; if he will make available a report issued by Transport Infrastructure Ireland on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29633/16]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ 21082/16 of 12 July on the ending of the 42 tonne derogation for five axle articulated vehicles which outlines the reasons for the removal of the derogation.

The report dealing with the ending of the 42 tonnes / 5 axles articulated vehicle combinations, which is referred to, has been made available and has already been examined by the Irish Road Haulage Association. It was the subject of a quite detailed and technical discussion at the meeting between the IRHA and this Department prior to the announcement of my decision to end the derogation.