796. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a derogation for trailer loads of straw and hay from the current 4.65 m height restriction on trailers which is having a huge impact on the transportation of fodder for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3548/14]

Statutory Instrument 366 of 2008 - Road Traffic (Construction and Use of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulations, 2008 sets the maximum vehicle height limit at 4.65 metres. Following a public consultation undertaken prior to the completion of the Regulations, it was agreed that a five year derogation from that limit would apply to vehicles registered, licensed or in use prior to 1 November 2008. The derogation, which expired on the 31st October last, was introduced in order to allow a five year period within which vehicles operating at heights in excess of the new statutory limit could be withdrawn from use in Ireland.

Following the expiry of the derogation, specific concerns were raised with me by the agri-sector in relation to the effect that the 4.65 metre maximum vehicle height restriction would have on the cost of transporting fodder. This is an issue to which I am giving further consideration.