No change in off-road dumper rules

The Department of Transport failed to ban the use of off-road dumpers on the country’s roads, following a review of the regulations governing their use.

The current permit system allows for the use of these vehicles in connection with large civil engineering projects where licensed goods vehicles would not be suitable.
The review involved consultations with local authorities, the Gardaí, the owners and operators of off-road dumpers, and the Irish Road Haulage Association, who had been campaigning for an outright ban.

Junior Minister Ivor Callely confirmed: “It has been decided that there will be no change in the current arrangements and that the basis for processing and granting special permits for off-road dumpers will continue to be the guidelines issued to local authorities in 1995.”

He continued: “This decision has been communicated to local authority managers and to the Gardaí. I would expect that this reaffirmation of the guidelines will help to clarify the position on the use of off-road dumpers on public roads and lead to better compliance.”