Minister O’Brien extends temporary derogation of driving hours regulations for road transport and delivery of all goods within Ireland

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien today (13 April) approved an extension of the temporary derogation from certain driving hours and rest period requirements to cover the delivery of all goods within Ireland. This is to provide some flexibility for drivers in these urgent and exceptional circumstances and support the full recovery of the national energy and food supply chain during a period of intensive pressures, while balancing driver welfare and road safety objectives. It widens the derogation approved on 11 April for 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 with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney 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 with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer 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, as follows:
The following derogations will be applied from 13 April 2026 for an initial period of 08 days to all drivers involved in the road transport of all goods within Ireland:

• the daily driving limit is increased from 9 hours to 11 hours  
• the maximum weekly driving limit is increased from 56 hours to 60 hours
• the fortnightly driving limit is increased from 90 hours to 102 hours
• the rules relating to weekly rest are being relaxed by allowing drivers to take a reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours in each consecutive week during the relaxation period. There will be no obligation on a driver to take at least one (1) regular weekly rest period in any two consecutive weeks until the derogation expires. Furthermore, there will not be any requirement for compensation where reduced weekly rest is being taken.