Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 994: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the maximum load permitted for the purposes of timber haulage; his plans to review this weight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26303/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Maximum weight limits and dimensions of goods vehicles in the European Union (EU) are set at 40 tonnes over 5 axles by EC Directive 96/53/EC and incorporated into Irish law by the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, S.I. No. 5 of 2003. While Directive 96/53/EC sets maximum limits for vehicles moving between jurisdictions within the EU it does not impose an absolute weight limit for national vehicle movement. This allows Ireland to set its own internal gross vehicle weight (GVW) limits.

The maximum weights apply regardless of what type of load is carried but are dependent on several factors including vehicle design, number of axles, braking systems and type of suspension. The current maximum weight that a six-axle articulated HGV or a six-axle rigid HGV towing a trailer can operate at in Ireland is 44 tonnes GVW. A review was recently completed to assess the appropriateness of existing weight limits and investigate possible weight changes. The review identified and assessed the technical, legal, safety and commercial considerations for changing GVWs of goods vehicles in Ireland. Freight trends here were investigated along with international best practice for the movement of goods. A detailed consultation process was carried out with sectoral representatives, interest groups and major stakeholders. A report containing recommendations was submitted to my Department. I am currently considering the outcome of this review and expect to make regulations on this matter shortly.