The original testing regime, due to be brought into law this month and get under-way before next May, would have seen mandatory testing introduced for all tractors rated to travel in excess of 40kph, operating within a 25km radius of their base.
That is now all being shelved, and it’s back to the drawing board.
The climbdown was confirmed in a meeting between the IFA and other stakeholders in a meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
The Statutory Instrument (SI) controversially signed into law by Minister Shane Ross on the final day of the Ploughing Championships without prior consultation will now be annulled in the Dáil, paving the way for a negotiated and agreed tractor testing regime.
An IFA spokesman said that the Department of Transport were clear that all aspects of the tractor testing were up for discussion.
“There will be a full discussion with the IFA and other stakeholders before any aspect of Tractor testing is implemented”.
It is understood the Department fully accepted that the commitment given to the IFA regarding consultation had not been honoured and they would now fully consult.
The possibility existed that such tractors might also be required at some point to run on road “white” diesel and have higher road tax levied on them.
“Farm and Forestry Contractors Ireland is happy is that there now will be an opportunity for proper consultation in order to bring about the best possible outcome for Irish contractors and their farmer customers” said Richard White FCI chairman.
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The original testing regime, due to be brought into law this month and get under-way before next May, would have seen mandatory testing introduced for all tractors rated to travel in excess of 40kph, operating within a 25km radius of their base.
That is now all being shelved, and it’s back to the drawing board.
The climbdown was confirmed in a meeting between the IFA and other stakeholders in a meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
The Statutory Instrument (SI) controversially signed into law by Minister Shane Ross on the final day of the Ploughing Championships without prior consultation will now be annulled in the Dáil, paving the way for a negotiated and agreed tractor testing regime.
An IFA spokesman said that the Department of Transport were clear that all aspects of the tractor testing were up for discussion.
“There will be a full discussion with the IFA and other stakeholders before any aspect of Tractor testing is implemented”.
It is understood the Department fully accepted that the commitment given to the IFA regarding consultation had not been honoured and they would now fully consult.
The possibility existed that such tractors might also be required at some point to run on road “white” diesel and have higher road tax levied on them.
“Farm and Forestry Contractors Ireland is happy is that there now will be an opportunity for proper consultation in order to bring about the best possible outcome for Irish contractors and their farmer customers” said Richard White FCI chairman.
Read more
Hundreds of items for scrutiny in tractor test
What you need to know about the tractor NCT
Tractor NCT targets more farmers
SHARING OPTIONS