Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014
690. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding tachograph legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2691/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraDirective 2002/15/EC lays down minimum requirements with regard to the organisation of the working time for all persons performing mobile road transport activities, including self-employed drivers, in order to improve road safety, health and safety of drivers, and prevent distortion of competition. It also supplements the provisions of Regulation (EC) 561/2006 which lays down common rules on drivers' driving time and rest periods. This Regulation and section 5 of S.I. 62/2008 European Communities (Road Transport) (Working Conditions and Road Safety) Regulations 2008 provide for tachograph exemptions for certain categories of vehicles involved in certain activities. I would not consider a blanket exemption for tipper and concrete trucks appropriate due to the impact on working conditions and road safety.
The issue of road hedges is covered in Section 70 of the Roads Acts 1993 which makes the owner or occupier of land responsible for ensuring hedges are not a hazard or potential hazard and that it does not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road. The council of a county, the corporation of a city or other borough, or the council of an urban district are responsible for the enforcement of Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993.
