Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
132. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Transport if he will reconsider the decision not to introduce any financial support or remediation scheme for passenger transport operators who retrofitted smart tachograph version 2 devices before his Department issued its updated guidance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72608/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU 'Mobility Package I' introduced a new set of rules for the road transport sector and is applicable across the EU. The package ensures good implementation and enforcement of EU road transport legislation and provides a balance between the social protection of drivers and the freedom of operators to provide cross-border transport services.
As part of the 'Mobility Package I', smart tachographs version 2 must be retrofitted to commercial vehicles, including buses, operating internationally within the EU from 31 December 2024 onwards. Full details of the categories of vehicles to which the 'Mobility Package I' applies is available through the Road Safety Authority website. This includes detail on deadlines by which upgrades must be completed and the requirements surrounding international transport.
I acknowledge there are costs involved with upgrading tachographs, but this is a necessary once-off investment for commercial bus operators to comply with their legal obligations as set out in the EU Mobility Package I. The cost entailed by the retrofit is a commercial matter for each commercial operator and is determined by a number of factors, including the age, make, and model of the vehicles to be updated.
My officials continue to assess the development of advice issued to operators, and the position of operators who may have already retrofitted their vehicles, and will engage further with affected passenger operators on a case-by-case basis as appropriate.
