134 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Transport the progress in reaching consensus among concerned parties on revised guidelines for the issuing of special permits for off-road dumpers. [20558/04]

My Department is engaged in a consultative process with a view to amending the permit scheme so that it is more effective in road safety and operational terms. The draft revised guidelines are intended to address road safety for vehicles, protection of infrastructure investment, environmental concerns, public project economics and job protection.

My Department is examining the views of the principal parties concerned, including local authorities, the Garda authorities and plant owners. When the examination is finished I expect to make a decision on the content of the revised guidelines.