The introduction of the U.K. HGV road user levy in April is an unwelcome additional charge on Irish hauliers, particularly for those operating in the Border areas. The Irish Government, with the support of the Northern Ireland authorities, initially lobbied the U.K. Government to exempt all of Northern Ireland from the levy. When this was rejected, the Government sought to have the A5 from Derry to Aughnacloy exempted from the levy, as it is a significant transit route from Donegal to Monaghan and then onto Dublin and Rosslare Port.
The issue was raised both in correspondence and at meetings with the U.K. Minister for Transport and with the Prime Minister. Unfortunately, the U.K. Minister for Transport rejected our proposals for an exemption of the A5, as is his right under EU law. The U.K. authorities have however granted an exemption to approximately 7 km of roads which repeatedly criss-cross the Border.
I have instructed my officials to explore options with their U.K. and Northern Ireland colleagues to mitigate the effect of the levy on Irish hauliers.
