asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the damage being done to roads and buildings by trucks carrying large loads, he has any plans to reduce the maximum permitted weights to be carried; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maximum Truck Weights.
7.
In 1983, the maximum gross vehicle weight limit for goods vehicles was increased from 32 imperial tons to 38 metric tonnes. This increase was necessary to bring Irish limits more into line with other European countries and to enable Irish hauliers to compete more effectively in the home and international markets. In accordance with a 1984 EC directive on the weight and dimension of goods vehicles, Ireland must further increase the maximum gross vehicle weight limit to 40 tonnes after a transitional period.
The Minister indicated the limits being inposed by the EC. Is he saying it is compulsory that we must accept the maximum limit on our roads which the EC allows? Is that compulsory or can we make our own decision?
Both Britain and Ireland obtained a derogation from the directive. They had the agreement of the Community to impose a limit of 38 metric tonnes as opposed to the 40 metric tonnes which applies to the rest of the Community but that situation comes up for review early next year.
Is it a fact, apart from the derogation, that an increase in the tonnage allowed on roads is being considered or has actually been passed by the EC? If that is so, will we have to increase our tonnage accordingly? Does the Minister not agree that the earlier questions put by Deputies in regard to the cost of repairing roads is a direct result of the enormous tonnage being carried in these trucks?
The position is that under an EC directive of 1984, provision was made for gross vehicle weight of 40 tonnes. In the case of Ireland and the UK there was a derogation which results in a limit of 38 tonnes. The period during which the derogation will apply is to be reviewed by the Community early next year.
Is the Community also reviewing the upper tonnage limit at present?
I am not aware of that. The review the Deputy has in mind may be the review of our derogation which I have referred to already.
Is the Minister satisfied that there are sufficient checks being carried out in the matter of tonnages? Would the Minister agree also that the technical officers of local authorities are greatly concerned at the axle spans and weights which they claim are causing serious damage in some cases to the road structure?
There is a programme for the installation and operation of weigh-bridges at ten different locations around the country. Some of these are in operation at present and other are coming into operation currently. It is hoped to have all ten in operation by the end of this year.
In view of the fact that the majority of forests in the north west are coming into full maturity and will be due for harvesting up to the turn on the century, has the Minister any plans for the provision of roads into these forests or for the reduction of the axle weight or loading capacity of lorries which are going to have to be utilised in order to convey the timber from the forests?
I have already explained in the reply to Deputy Mac Giolla what the position is in relation to maximum weight in accordance with the EC directive and our derogation. That applies nationally. The question of forest roads is an entirely different one.
In view of the fact that I was not present in the House would the Minister repeat his reply to Question No. 6?
No, we have left Question No. 6. We are now at Question No. 7.
May I raise the matter on the Adjournment?
The Chair will communicate with the Deputy.
In regard to the review of the derogation, is the Minister advising the Community of the enormous cost on our road system of the current weight limits? Has he compiled figures that will enable him to indicate to the Community the costs that would result from an increase in the weight limit with a view to having the derogation continued?
Yes. That has been the attitude of the Government so far. We are also planning a programme of improvement of bridges and certain aspects of main roads so as to enable us over a period of time to comply with the Directive.
Can we be informed of the information the Minister will be providing to the EC in connection with this? Will the House be given the information?
If the House so wishes; there would be no security risk or anything of that kind involved so it ought to be possible to provide the information.
Will copies of the details of what transpires be placed in the Library?
I will arrange that.