Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021
161. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the steps he plans to take to assist the haulage industry in view of the difficulties posed by Brexit and the rapid rise in fuel costs; if he plans to amend the rules in relation to hours worked by drivers and the maximum loads allowed on HGVs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47398/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a 10-year Haulage Strategy focused on improving efficiencies, standards, and helping the sector move to a low-carbon future. A consultation document was published in April 2021. Over 40 submissions have been received in response to the public consultation. The intention is to finalise the Strategy before the end of the year.
This is an important Programme for Government commitment, reflecting the importance the haulage sector plays in ensuring the State's supply lines, both nationally and internationally, operate effectively.
Rising costs are an issue across the economy. The latest Consumer Price Index release from the CSO published the CPI figures for August 2021. Prices on average, as measured by the CPI, were 2.8% higher in August 2021 compared with August 2020. This is the largest annual change in prices in almost 10 years.
Notable changes were increases in Transport (+10.2%) and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & Other Fuels (+7.3%).
Driver hours regulations set important social and road safety standards and are set at EU level. They can only be temporarily relaxed at a Member State level in justified circumstances, such as weather events.
The rules around maximum loads on HGVs are also safety related and help minimise the repair and maintenance costs associated with the operation of heavier trucks on our roads. There are currently no plans to increase the applicable weight limits for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
