Driving Hours Derogation Extended to Cover All Goods Transport Across Ireland

Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien has approved an extension of the temporary derogation from certain driving hours and rest period requirements to cover the delivery of all goods within Ireland.

The move is intended to provide flexibility for drivers during what the Department describes as urgent and exceptional circumstances, supporting the full recovery of the national energy and food supply chain. It widens the derogation approved on 11 April, which originally applied only to road hauliers transporting liquid fuel used for home heating oil or as a propellant within Ireland.

Minister O'Brien said:

"The transport of goods of all types within Ireland has been severely disrupted by blockades at ports, rolling protests, and closures across our road network. While we have restored access to ports and fuel infrastructure, the transport sector continues to be affected by the cumulative impact of the blockades. Government is actively working to support recovery, and my approval to extend the derogation follows representations from agricultural representatives, retail representatives, and other Government departments highlighting the cross-sectoral impacts of recent events. Officials in my Department will continue to monitor this situation closely."

Minister of State Seán Canney, with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, said:

"The haulage sector is of national strategic importance. This derogation brings much-needed flexibility and reassurance to those working right across the logistics and supply chain, supporting them to return to normal business practices as soon as possible.

Of course, the safety of drivers and other road users must not be compromised and these extensions are for use only when necessary."

Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, with responsibility for Rural Transport, said:

"Hauliers deliver essential supplies around all areas of the State, supporting key infrastructure and enabling the maintenance of all economic and social activity in our country. This derogation will expedite the full recovery of the supply chain, given the strains that have been placed on it in recent days."

The derogation was granted pursuant to Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 and applies from 13 April 2026 for an initial period of eight days to all drivers involved in the road transport of all goods within Ireland. Key changes include the daily driving limit increasing from 9 hours to 11 hours, the maximum weekly driving limit rising from 56 hours to 60 hours, the fortnightly driving limit increasing from 90 hours to 102 hours, and a relaxation of weekly rest rules allowing drivers to take a reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours in each consecutive week during the period.

The Road Safety Authority has emphasised that HGV operators are required to mitigate the risks of disruption and plan accordingly. Drivers must record any extra driving time on the back of their tachograph charts or digital printouts, with documentary evidence retained for at least 12 months. Any deviation from the driving and resting time rules must be a last resort.

Drivers should not deviate from the rules if it jeopardises road safety, nor should they be expected to drive while tired. Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.