Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae  has strongly criticised the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the government for causing chaos in the construction industry and the house-building sector.

A recent change in licensing requirements for driving tractors within the construction industry and house-building sector has sparked outrage among industry professionals. Michael Healy-Rae described the move as "sneaky" and emphasised that it had been implemented without any consultation with the affected industry.

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. Highlighting the practical implications of the new regulations, Michael Healy-Rae 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.

Deputy Healy-Rae warned that the new regulations “could lead to widespread redundancies, estimating potential job losses of up to 3000 to 4000 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,” he said.

“Additionally, the implications for council staff, including those operating tractors with trailers or hedge cutters, as well as park keepers, who will face similar challenges if the regulations continue unchecked. It will also have a knock-on effect on the utility sector.”