Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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885. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13577/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The derogation permitting a maximum weight limit of 42 tonnes over 5-axles (2-axle tractor unit and 3-axle semi-trailer combinations) expires on 30 June 2016.

I am currently examining this issue in light of a number of factors including: the details supplied; the overarching need to secure a significant decrease in road and bridge infrastructure damage and related costs to the public finances; as well as in terms of the extensive period of time, since 2003, given to the industry to adapt to the ending of the derogation.

I understand that under the Road Traffic (Construction and Use) Regulations 2003 - S.I. No. 5 of 2003an upper weight limit of 40 tonnes was set for such vehicles, with a five year derogation incorporated into the Regulations permitting these vehicles to operate at 42 tonnes until the end of 2008. However, since then, the derogation has been extended seven times.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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886. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will introduce a further derogation to the heavy goods vehicle height restriction for vehicles transporting bulky agricultural products, such as hay and straw; if he is aware of the financial implications for the transport of such products with height restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13578/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Existing Road Traffic Regulations already provide for such an exemption.

Under the Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations, S.I. No. 166 of 2014, unenclosed agricultural or goods vehicle combinations, the trailer component of which is constructed or primarily adapted for the carriage of hay, silage, straw or other animal fodder and which is being used exclusively, for the carriage of such agricultural products once baled, are exempt from the national vehicle height limit of 4.65 metres.