Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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494. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding changes to the regulation for five axles trucks; if further consultation with the industry will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8379/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Five axle non-articulated trucks (rigids) are a relatively recent phenomenon on Irish roads. Across the EU there is no maximum weight 'norm' for such vehicles and a lacuna in Ireland's Construction and Use of Vehicles Regulations has meant that a maximum weight limit for such vehicles has hitherto remained unstipulated.

It is precisely to correct this regulatory anomaly that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), were tasked with analysing the pavement wear effects of this 39 tonne variant, as well as the associated vehicle standard related requirements attaching to the operation of 5 axle rigids in Ireland

The results of TII's commissioned study concluded that, because of their shorter wheel base they impacted negatively on both our bridge infrastructure and pavements. In circumstances, where in real terms, road maintenance funding has been severely cut over successive years, it was therefore recommended that the maximum regulatory weight limit for such vehicles should be set at 36 tonnes and came into effect on 1 February 2018.

The 5 axle (2 axle tractor unit towing a 3 axle semi-trailer) articulated vehicles experienced a derogation permitting a maximum weight laden limit of 42 tonnes which expired on 30 June 2017.  As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I must have regard to the overarching need to maintain national transport infrastructure in as cost effective manner as possible.  It is primarily for this reason, as well as the time given to the industry to adjust, that the previous derogation has not been renewed.

I have no proposals to revisit the present situation in respect of either 5 axle articulated or 5 axle non-articulated vehicles.