25th October, 2013

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association has reminded farmers to ensure that they are properly licensed to drive vehicles with trailers attached. The association has pointed out that the Road Safety Authority are currently facilitating the reinstatement of a car and trailer licence (BE category) to drivers’ current licences. This opportunity specifically refers to drivers who held a full car licence before 13 November 1989 (i.e. the old ‘red licence’) and who did not then avail of the car and trailer licence option.

ICSA rural development chairman, John Barron, said “As many farmers as possible need to be made aware of this small window of opportunity. The ICSA acknowledges the Road Safety Authority’s newspaper advertising campaign in relation to the issue, but wants to ensure that no eligible farmer misses out at this time. Trailers form an integral part of day to day farming, and farmers should ensure that they are properly licensed to utilise them on public roads.”

In order to have the BE category reinstated on their licence, drivers must have been born before 13 November 1972 and have held a full driving licence for a car before 13 November 1989. Applicants must complete an assessment form available on the RSA website (www.rsa.ie) and return it to the RSA before Friday 8th November 2013.