New driving licence regulations in construction industry could lead to loss of jobs, claims Roscommon TD

A Roscommon TD has hit out at the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the government for causing chaos in the construction industry and the house-building sector.

Under the new regulations, individuals driving tractors in construction or house-building contexts are now required to possess a lorry license and undergo CPC, effectively imposing unnecessary burdens on workers.

Independent Ireland TD, Michael Fitzmaurice, warned that the new regulations could lead to widespread redundancies, estimating potential job losses of up to 3,000 to 4,000 people.

“Moreover, the move threatens to bring the housing sector, road projects, and civil works across the country to a standstill, severely hampering progress and development.

“I would question the legislative basis for such a move.

“Additionally, the implications for council staff, including those operating tractors with trailers or hedge cutters, as well as park keepers, who would face similar challenges if the regulations continue unchecked.

“It will also have a knock-on effect on the utility sector,” said Deputy Fitzmaurice.

The Deputy described the move as “sneaky” and emphasized that it had been implemented without any consultation with the affected industry.

Highlighting the practical implications of the new regulations, Deputy Fitzmaurice pointed out the shortage of truck drivers in Ireland and the unsuitability of lorries for certain tasks within construction sites.

He expressed concerns about the impact on essential operations such as transporting materials within sites and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as watering down sites during dry periods.

Calling for urgent intervention from top government officials, including the Taoiseach, Minister Ryan and Michael Martin, Fitzmaurice urged swift resolution of the issue to prevent further disruption to the construction industry.

“Failure to address the concerns raised could have far-reaching consequences for employment and infrastructure development in Ireland,” said Deputy Fitzmaurice.

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