A local farm association will be consulted on the proposed contentious roadworthiness test for tractors in 2018.
The Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI), who are based in Clonminam in Portlaoise, has welcomed the opportunity to play a key part in the consultation process, in advance of the implementation of any roadworthiness test for agricultural tractors in 2018, following the agreement of the Department of Transport to now enter into full negotiation with FCI and other key stakeholders.
Since March of this year, FCI has raised contractor’s concerns on the issue, both with the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross TD and the Road Safety Authority.
Both gave a commitment to engage with FCI, as one of the primary stakeholders, in any process during the drafting of any national regulations on tractor testing.
Concerns
FCI raised concerns in recent weeks when it became aware that Minister Ross had signed the relevant Statutory Instrument (SI) into law, without fulfilling any of the prior agreed consultation procedures.
The Department of Transport confirmed to FCI at a meeting at the Department offices that the commitment to consultation with FCI had not been honoured.
FCI has been assured that full consultation will now take place, on all aspects of the relevant Statutory Instrument in the coming weeks.
FCI National Chairman Richard White said, “We are satisfied that a full and thorough consultation process will now take place, to allow for an opportunity for amendments to the Statutory Instrument.
“We are preparing to negotiate with the Minister and his Department to ensure that contractor’s tractors with a maximum design speed exceeding 40km/hr, which are used for the specific purposes of the transport of agricultural produce, crops, forage and biomass crops such as hay, silage and straw bales and woodchip and biomass materials, low value animal feeds derived from a distilling or brewing process, as well as sludge waste materials being used for land spreading, directly to a farm or from a farm to a farm, or from a farm to processing area, are exempt from this regulation.
“Most farm and forestry contractors are not involved in commercial haulage while the nature of the contracting business is to provide a valuable and cost-effective machinery service to farming, for reward.
“FCI members who are involved in commercial haulage activities alongside their farm and forestry contracting operations are aware of their legal obligations and are prepared to have tractors, rated at more than 40km/hr, tested for roadworthiness, but we need a fair and agreed test to begin with,” he said.
Richard White, national chairman of the Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) said, “If the Statutory Instrument is not amended then FCI believes that this will add significant costs to farmers who will be forced to engage road haulage contractors to move bales from many out-farms in Irish winter conditions.
“There is huge concern that this rule will force many smaller and older tractors which are designed for speeds less than 40km/hr, into duty with added road safety risks and it will also force other farmers to try and bring trucks down roads for which they were not designed,” he said.
FCI is particularly concerned with the way the SI was brought into law without an opportunity for consultation.
“We have been told for months that we, along with others, would be consulted in advance of any legislation,” said FCI National Chairman Richard White.
“This has not happened and the RSA and the Department of Transport have brought in legislation by stealth,” said Mr White.
Rescinded
“We are now seeking that this SI 413 of 2017 be rescinded. We are confident that with proper consultations we can work together to formulate a practical and workable sensible definition of the use of contractor-operated agricultural tractors for agricultural activities on Irish roads,” he added.
Farm Contractors in Ireland provide sustainable land management services on Irish farms.
The Association of Farm & Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) and its membership accepts that high speed tractors used in commercial activities should undergo roadworthiness testing.
FCI has advised its 1,100 member database to contact their local TD’s in order to seek a change in this Statutory Instrument to prevent unnecessary costs on Irish farmers for the transport of agricultural produce across reasonable distances in keeping with traditional and fragmented Irish farming structure.
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