IFA Welcomes Decision to End Duplication of Road Worthiness Testing

IFA National Environment Chairman Thomas Cooney has welcomed the pragmatic decision by Transport Minister Shane Ross to limit the requirement for compulsory roadworthiness testing to tractors doing non-agricultural work, and with a maximum design speed exceeding 40km/hr.

He said, “After months of protracted negotiations, it is good to see IFA has convinced Minister Ross and his officials to accept that famers are already heavily regulated when it comes to transporting farm produce.

“For example, farmers are currently legally required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to ensure that brakes, handbrake, mirrors, lights, indicators, wipers and hitches are all in working order.

“We understand and support safety. However, we oppose excessive and wasteful duplication, whether that’s in transport or other inspections,” he added.

Concluding, Thomas Cooney said, “Minister Ross must now immediately publish the clear definitions and regulations which give effect to this decision. There can be no room for confusion.”