There is still a lack of clarity regarding the possible requirements for an NCT for so-called ‘fast’ tractors, according to the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA).
Criticising the incoming regulations, ICMSA Farm and Rural Affairs Committee chairman Denis Drennan commented following a meeting on the matter last Friday.
Drennan said that the “renewed confusion” was very regrettable – especially given the fact that, following intensive lobbying by farm organisations last autumn, it appeared that common sense would prevail and tractors engaged in farming-related activities would not be required to have an NCT.
Drennan said that the ICMSA’s position had not changed and that meant the association sought a complete NCT exemption for tractors involved in agricultural activity – including hauling silage or any other obvious farm-related activity.
The chairman said that tractors being employed in farm work must be excluded from any requirements for an NCT and that the ICMSA was going to seek clarification from the department to this effect.
According to Drennan, the onus is squarely on the relevant departments to consult among themselves and then announce that tractors engaged in farming or farm-related activity were exempt from the requirement to have an NCT. He added it was imperative that they announce this publicly.
The ICMSA chairman said it is regrettable that Irish farmers are back to this state of confusion again, when the departments concerned had previously accepted the ICMSA position and declared that an NCT would not be required.
