Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank our guests for attending. The height restriction of 4.65 m has already been imposed and signs advertising this fact have been erected throughout the city. The authorities in the North and in the UK have a derogation in this regard at present. Are we seeking to obtain a further derogation in respect of the restriction, despite the fact hat it has been imposed? Has the height restriction had an immediate effect in terms of the members of the Irish Road Haulage Association? It seems very unfair that other countries are not subject to the restrictions relating to weights and dimensions which are contained in the proposed directive. What has been the impact of this on our guests' members? I am not clear on the position with regard to traffic coming here from Europe. If a different rule applies in another country, can operators from that jurisdiction still drive their vehicles here despite the fact that they may not meet the relevant criteria?

The maximum height relating to the Dublin Port tunnel is 4.65 m. When the tunnel was being built, there was an element of controversy in this regard and some people stated that the height restriction was somewhat low. This restriction has had an effect on members of the Irish Road Haulage Association since the tunnel was completed. If I am not mistaken, the association advised at the time that a higher restriction should have applied. I recall receiving representations on the matter when I was a councillor and I am sure Deputy Seán Kenny did too.