Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2025
243. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the impact that Circular RW18 and the new regime for exceptional abnormal loads has had on the timing and cost of moving very heavy loads, including for grid and energy project;, if his Department has undertaken or plans to undertake a formal review of the regime in light of stakeholder feedback; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65099/25]
View answerExceptional Abnormal Loads can cause significant damage and deterioration to pavements, bridges and bridge components along the Irish road network. The presence of these vehicles and loads will increase over time and pose a significant risk to the road transport network, in particular where overloading and potential damage can be caused to bridge structures and other pieces of infrastructure such as water mains, and gas mains. Due to their age and service life, some bridges have experienced deterioration over their lifetime and are particularly vulnerable to extreme load events due to their reduced capacity over time. Medium span bridges and ageing structures are particularly vulnerable, but even modern bridges in Ireland have not been designed to carry such exceptional abnormal loads.
Traditionally, Abnormal Load Applications to Local Authorities in Ireland were for loads below 180 tonnes, and usually below 150 tonnes. In recent years, energy sector requirements mean requests for the movement of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads have increased significantly and are expected to continue. Numerous loads programmed to be moved over the coming years are far in excess of 180 tonnes, with some large generators identified by the energy sector as up to 570 tonnes.
This puts significant pressure on Ireland’s road and bridge infrastructure. Modern bridge structures have been designed to accommodate loading of 180 tonnes; numerous ‘legacy’ bridges have a design loading significantly lower than 180 tonnes. Consequently, additional structural assessment requirements apply to heavy loads and particularly loads over 180 tonnes to help protect road assets and the safety of road users.
Despite large loads such as transformers being ordered 2-3 years before delivery, little early engagement and consultation with stakeholders has taken place and have submitted late requests to transport these exceptional loads. In many cases exceptional loads are being ordered with no consideration for route selection and no guarantee they can be delivered to their destinations. Appropriate assessments are required to ensure the Local Authorities have the necessary information to approve the safe movement of these loads.
As a result, Department of Transport Circular RW18/2024 was issued to clarify this assessment process, which is needed both to protect state infrastructure and to assist applicants in the management of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads. The circular sets out the process for compliance with structural assessment standards and provides applicants with additional clarity. The Department of Transport keeps all circulars under review and issues notifications where updates or clarifications are required.
The increase in movement of exceptionally heavy abnormal loads puts the road and bridge network at significant risk of damage or indeed failure, with clear implications for other road users. The increase needs to be managed appropriately. Early project engagement with the relevant bodies, including local authorities, is key. In addition, options to reduce these loads to expedite the process and reduce risk need to be considered by the energy sector. Both the Department of Transport and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and their agencies are aware of the technical and administrative difficulties in this area and are working to address the issues and ensure adequate dedicated expert technical resources are put in place to manage the process over the coming years.
