A5 corridor levy
Deputy Nolan, on behalf of the haulage sector, raised concern that a daily levy on hauliers using the A5 north-west corridor should be scrapped. The Tánaiste said he would raise the matter with the Northern Ireland Executive at the next North-South Ministerial Council meeting.
I want to raise an issue that was brought to my attention. Mr. Ger Hyland of the Irish Road Haulage Association, IRHA, has raised the issue of levies along the A5 corridor. Given the welcome cross-Border investment of €600 million in this corridor-----
Comment on this
Sorry, I will start again. I want to raise an issue that was brought to my attention by the IRHA president, Mr. Gerard Hyland. The issue concerns the A5 north-west corridor. The Irish Government has co-operated with the Northern Executive, and that is welcome. Indeed, the €600 million is welcome at this time to ensure that there is safety. However, the burden of costs in terms of levies on hauliers is an issue of concern. The IRHA has looked for the levy of £10 per day to be scrapped. Given that there are cross-Border initiatives and co-operation, can this levy be scrapped or at least can engagement be made with the Northern Executive to reduce the levy in order to alleviate the burden on our hauliers?
Comment on this
We have a date for the North-South Ministerial Council. It is certainly an issue I will raise with representatives of the Northern Ireland Executive. They have their challenges in terms of revenue raising as well, but I certainly will raise it and take it forward. I appreciate the Deputy raising the case.