Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
275. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Transport the action he and his Department has taken regarding petitioning the British Government to abolish the levy placed on hauliers in the State who use the roads in Northern Ireland; his views on the way in which this disadvantages hauliers, particularly those based in Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45038/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is important to clarify that the levy that the Deputy refers to applies to all HGVs driven on all UK roads, including Northern Ireland, regardless of their country of registration. This includes Irish hauliers who drive HGVs on UK roads. The HGV Road User Levy also applies to UK registered HGVs, including those registered in Northern Ireland, and is typically collected with UK motor tax rather than on a daily rate.
It is also important to note that different jurisdictions enact different road charging mechanisms for road maintenance and upgrades as they deem appropriate. The UK’s HGV Road User Levy was introduced in 2014 and prior to its introduction, the Irish Government engaged with UK authorities seeking to exempt Northern Ireland from the charge because of the potential impact on cross-border trade. The UK ultimately decided to maintain the levy, with only very minor exemptions for Northern Ireland.
The levy was suspended in August 2020 to support the haulage sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, but was reinstated from 01 August 2023 with amendments to align the levy with the environmental performance of vehicles in support of the UK’s decarbonisation goals. Zero emission HGVs are exempt from the charge.
While I appreciate that the levy imposes costs on HGV operators, including Irish hauliers, its application is a matter for the UK authorities.
