Common Travel Area could benefit exports to UK and EU

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow/Carlow, Andrew Doyle, today (Wednesday) welcomed the engagement by the Minister for Transport and Tourism, Leo Varadkar with Northern Ireland officials on the HGV levy. The Minister and his officials met with authorities in Northern Ireland on this issue, which although under the authority of the UK Government in Westminster, is particularly relevant to travel on this island.

“Among the options under review is a common road charging regime that would help increase our export potential and reduce the burden on HGVs. This is similar to the common charging system in place in Europe known as Eorovignette, whereby a single charge is payable but payers can use roads in more than one country.

“Given the proximity of Ireland and the UK, and in view of the current export market and export potential of goods and services, a common regime would be of enormous value. This would be of huge benefit to HGV operators North and South of the border and would avoid regulatory burdens currently imposed on them.”

“A long term solution would benefit the export potential of Irish goods and services to the UK by keeping our transport costs reasonable. Ongoing discussions with the UK including Northern Ireland at the North South Ministerial Council have started and a cross- departmental working group with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has been established.”