Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the representatives of the Irish Road Haulage Association and thank them for their ongoing communications with the committee. That type of engagement is very helpful to us in our work.

Here is an example of a specific directive from Europe which - as should have been the case in many instances in the past - we are dealing with by engaging in discussions with the industry in advance of a decision being taken.

I take the point in respect of the height restriction and I am aware of the concerns many people harbour in this regard. I am of the view that the horse has bolted and that this matter is unlikely to be revisited. As legislators, however, we can play a real and meaningful role in arguing the case on behalf of Irish industry and, in particular, the road haulage sector. The committee must take on board the views of the Irish Road Haulage Association and those of the group which is due to make the next presentation and try to arrive at a comprehensive position in respect of this matter. The committee should - and more than likely will - prepare a report and then seek to get the Government on board. If necessary, we should interact with the transport committee of the European Parliament in order to promote Ireland's position. I read the document presented by our guests and it seems ridiculous that we might be obliged to put in place the same measures as those which Austria and Germany, as a result of the nature of their rail networks, wish to implement.

On previous occasions we discussed the issue of investment in rail networks across Europe with rail operators. The European Commission has a particular vision in this regard. It is clear that we will have to be given derogations in respect of investment in our rail infrastructure because we do not have the same demand or level of usage as some of our European counterparts. It is for this reason that I believe we can make a case in respect of the necessity for a derogation that would meet the needs of our guests. I have no doubt the committee will be doing that in due course. I thank our guests for their presentation.