Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
258. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport to provide details of the concerns raised by the haulage sector that proposed limits on the movement of abnormally heavy loads which may restrict the transport of essential electricity infrastructure including large transformers and wind turbine components; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67169/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra259. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport the actions his Department is taking to ensure that proposed transport limits do not delay the delivery of critical electricity infrastructure required for national energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67171/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.
In accordance with the provisions of S.I. No. 5/2003 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 2003, each individual Local Authority (LA) has responsibility for the issuing of Abnormal Load Permits in their administrative area. S.I. No. 5/2003 sets the maximum authorised weights and dimensions for mechanically propelled vehicles and trailers on public roads, anything above these weights and dimensions requires and Abnormal Load Permit. There are no proposed changes to these limits and restrictions are based on a particular road networks ability to safely accommodate any proposed individual abnormal load in terms of weight (bridges, culverts, embankments, and road bearing capacity), height (bridge underpasses, tunnels, etc), and width (road width, bridge width, turning requirements at junctions).
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. Exceptional 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.
It is important that developers and promoters engage and consult with road stakeholders at the earliest possible stage to consider transport options of these exceptional loads to avoid unnecessary delay and risk to projects. This is to give sufficient time to consider appropriate safe route options and undertake the necessary assessments.
Department of Transport Circular RW18/2024 was issued to clarify the 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.
Both energy and road stakeholders have identified the need for a local authority central support unit to assist with the movement of exceptional abnormal loads nationally. This would include the assessment and delivery of exceptional abnormal loads with adequate dedicated expert technical resources in place to manage the process over the coming years. The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment is currently considering resource and funding requirements for this Local Authority Central Support Unit.
