The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) called for an urgent reversal in the decision to reduce maximum vehicle heights to 4.65m.
Under new Road Safety Authority (RSA) restrictions many lorries transporting fodder would have their loads significantly cut. Only two rows of 4×4 round bales would be legal on lorries. Large square bales with a typical height of 3ft could only be stacked three high.
ICSA President Gabriel Gilmartin said: “These restrictions, which will come into force on November 1st, will reduce a typical load of straw by one third. Haulage costs will remain constant, so the cost of bales will inevitably rise. Early indications suggest that this could be between €5 and €10 per bale.
“This change will have dire implications for farmers buying fodder this winter, particularly those dependent on straw being transported long distance from the east and south of the country. It is a restriction that is unworkable in practice and must be reversed as soon as possible.”
(Source – Donegal Now – 31/10/2013)