Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 21: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will, in line with proposals from the haulage industry, increase the motorway speed limit for heavy goods vehicles from 80km/h to 90km/h; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8625/12]

Seán Conlan (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on increasing the motorway speed limit for heavy goods vehicles from 80km/h to 90km/h; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8626/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 49 together.

These questions relate to proposals to increase the motorway speed limit for heavy goods vehicles from 80kph to 90kph.

Under the Road Traffic (Ordinary Speed Limits - Buses, Heavy Goods Vehicles ) Regulations, 2008, a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour is prescribed in respect of the operation of non-passenger carrying vehicles in excess of 3,500 kilograms. (i.e. heavy goods vehicles) on all public roads.

Maximum HGV motorway speed limits vary within the EU. Ireland, along with twelve other Member States, imposes a maximum speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour , some others allow HGVs to travel at 90 kilometres per hour , while the U.K. allows speed limits equivalent to 96 kilometres per hour .

In response to a request from the road haulage industry, I have been examining suggestions that the limit should be increased to 90 kilometres per hour on motorways and dual carriageways. There are technical, environmental, engineering and safety considerations to be examined in relation to this proposal, including consultation with the relevant bodies. The Road Safety Authority and the National Roads Authority have indicated that they have no objections to this change. I plan to progress this issue over the course of the next few weeks.