Road Transport Operations Ireland
Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. The country occupies the entire island except for the six counties that make up Northern Ireland and has a population of circa 5 million inhabitants. Its capital city is Dublin.
Cabotage
UK operators may carry loads to, from or through the country. Loads carried between third countries can only do so under an agreement with the third country. Cabotage is permitted.
Dangerous Goods
Ireland has introduced the legislation into its National Legislation. It is essential that fully completed ADR documentation is prepared for the movement of dangerous goods. Note that the Dublin Port Tunnel is a Class 'C' Tunnel.
For further information, you can also visit the UNECE website at the link below & select the country name applicable - http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/country-info_e.html
Abnormal Loads
All abnormal load movements require authorisation. An allocated Permit. Notice should be given 4 days prior to movement by contacting Siochana Operations (Traffic), Telephone
+353 1 666 0000 – Email traffic_abloads@garda.ie
For other info and relevant forms - https://www.garda.ie/en/Roads-Policing/Abnormal-Loads/
All abnormal load operators will require a keeper’s certificate to prove ownership of the trailer which must be carried as part of the vehicle documents at all times.
An application form can be downloaded below:
Taxation
A full tank of fuel can be imported duty free.
Customs
ATA Carnets are accepted for certain temporary imports. CMR notes are advised.
Movement Restrictions
There are no driving restrictions on weekends or Public Holidays.
Road Tolls
The National Roads Authority (NRA) will give plenty of useful information regarding the road infrastructure in Ireland as well as the road toll system (click on the image). Currently the following roads affected are:
- M1 Motorway (Gormanston to Monasterboice)
- M50 Barrier
- M4 Kilcock - Enfield - Kinnegad
- N6 Galway - Ballinasloe
- M7/M8 Portlaoise - Castletown/ Portlaoise - Cullahill
- N8 Rathcormac - Fermoy Bypass
- N25 Waterford City Bypass
- M3 Clonee-Kells (Clonee-Dunshaughlin)
- M3 Clonee-Kells (Navan-Kells)
Bridge and Tunnel Tolls
The following are toll tunnels and bridges:
- East Link Toll Bridge
- Dublin Port Tunnel
- Limerick Tunnel
For further information and toll charges on all Road, Tunnel and bridge tolls, please visit - https://www.tii.ie/roads-tolling/tolling-information/toll-locations-and-charges/
Vehicle Documentation
Green Card required, plus original vehicle registration docs. A GB plate must be fitted to rear of vehicle/trailer.
|
Maximum Weights & Dimensions |
|
|
Height |
4.65 metres |
|
Width |
2.55 metres (Fridges 2.6 metres) |
|
Length |
Artic 16.5 metres Road Train 18.75 metres |
|
Weight |
Artic 40 tonnes (40 foot ISO containers - 44 tonnes) |
Safety Equipment
It is compulsory to carry the following items of equipment and/or observe specific rules:
- First Aid Kit (advised)
- Warning triangle
- Spare bulbs (Advised)
- Seat belts must be worn
Driver Legal Documents
- Full passport required but no visa required.
- Normal UK Licence.
- Letter from employer giving driver permission to drive vehicle (attestation letter and form).
- EU Hours rules apply.
If the UK fully leaves the EU on 31 January 2021, HGV drivers will require travel insurance with healthcare cover
Speed Limits
|
Vehicles Concerned |
Built-Up areas |
Two-Lane Local/regional roads (kms) |
Expressways / Dual Carriageways (kms) |
Motorways |
|
Rigid Trucks over 3.5 tonnes |
50 |
80 |
80 |
80 |
|
Artics & Road Trains |
50 |
80 |
80 |
80 |
The following link provides guidance and further information
British Embassy
29 Merrion Road
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
Tel: +353 (1) 205 3700
Web: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-dublin
Transport Organisation
Irish Road Haulage Association IRHA
Suite 6, Gowna Plaza
Bracetown Business Park
Clonee, Co. Meath.
Tel: +353 (0)1 801 3380
Web: http://www.irha.ie/