pac news - issue 01 volume 02

PAC NEWSPAC NEWSPAC NEWSPAC NEWSPAC NEWSPAC NEWSPrepare For TheFuture - KeynoteAddress

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Getting TheMost FromLand DrainagePage 3Patrick Tuohy - Teagasc

Prof. Gerry Boyle Director, Teagasc

Issue 01 • Volume 02 • March / April 2016

Whilst in Brussels working in the inter-ests of agricultural contractors, PAC’sTom Murphy, has learnt that a workingparty has been set up to look at theintroduction of a Road WorthinessTesting for tractors to be implementedthroughout the Euro Zone. Concernwas expressed that many farmingfatalities are as a result of poor main-tenance of tractors and other selfpropelled machinery. Nationalgovernments have shied away fromintroducing compulsory tractor testingdue to opposition from the farminglobby.During the consultation process for theRevised Standards for AgriculturalVehicles, in which PAC was deeplyinvolved, the implications of a road-worthiness test for agricultural tractorswas discussed. Indeed at the

Department of Transport briefing it wassti l l on the agenda but was latershelved to be dealt with at a later date.Tom Murphy says that agriculturalcontractors should have no majorconcerns if compulsory testing were tobe introduced as the vehicles andmachinery of professional agriculturalcontractors are maintained to thehighest standards. Indeed at PACmeetings and discussion groups,contractors have often expressedconcern that some tractors they comeacross, both on farms and on theroads need to be tested as they arequite obviously a danger not only tothe drivers but other road users. PACwill maintain close contact with therelevant EU Committees to ensurethat agricultural contractor’s busi-nesses are not compromised.

NCT’s forTractors

Dear MinisterAgricultural contractors are acknowledged as a vital and irre-placeable component of the agricultural production process,but they do not come under the jurisdiction or protection of theDepartment of Agriculture. Instead we are considered aservice industry under the wider auspices of the Departmentof Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. There is no question that for Irish farming to meet the 2025production targets it needs the support of a sustainablecontracting sector. That is why agricultural contractors needthe support of the Department of Agriculture, with at the veryleast a person within the Department dedicated to monitoringour industry, which is after all an integral part of rural life.Registration of Agricultural ContractorsThe Department of Agriculture should establish a register ofagricultural contractors. You need to know how many agricul-tural contractors are operating in the country and the servicesthey supply in order to ensure the industry is fit for purpose, tosupport the production of quality products for home consump-tion and for export. A Register of Agricultural Contractorswould identify many issues; including knowledge and traininggaps; it will also ensure there are sufficient contractors tosupply the various machinery requirements of the farmingsector. There is a precedent for this with the establishment ofa register for spraying contractors.GrantsAgricultural contracting is a high risk, high investment busi-ness and contractors need to provide a range of machineryservices in order to make their businesses pay. The provisionof grants to farmers that are not made available to contractorsundermines their businesses. One area where problems are

arising is in the provision of low emission slurry spreadingservices as required by GLAS. PAC has received calls to theoffice from farmers and from Teagasc looking for contractorswith the appropriate low emission equipment. We have foundthat many contractors are holding back from purchasing thisequipment because of the grants that are being offered tofarmers. However, as farmers in some areas are not taking upthese grants there is a shortfall of low emission equipment,thus making it difficult for some farmers to comply withGLAS requirements. The Department of Agriculture needs torecognise the wider implications of excluding agriculturalcontractors from machinery grants and the effects on the longterm viability of the agricultural contracting sector. SurveyPAC asks you as the new Minister for Agriculture to initiate acomprehensive National Survey of the agricultural contractingsector. This is urgently required in order to establish thesustainability of the sector, which is a vital part of agriculture.Whilst accepting that a recent PAC survey of agriculturalcontractors was not a scientific survey, it did reveal some star-tling facts. 60% of contractors over the age of 50 had nosuccession plan in place; the Shadow Economy was seriouslyundermining contractors businesses and depressing prices.

We look forward to your response

Tom MurphyOn behalf of the Professional Agricultural Contractors of Ireland

An Open Letter to the Minister for Agricultureupon their Appointment by our New Government

above the present Euriborrate, which at time of writingsits at zero. The Glanbiascheme has a provision tosuspend payments duringperiods where milk pricesfall below a certain level. AIB has also launched itssecond €500 million loanfund to support the develop-ment of Ireland’s agri-sectorthroughout the country. AIB’sprevious fund of €500million launched in April2014 has seen more than90% drawn-down byfarming customers for use asworking capital, capitalexpenditure and assetfinance requirements. The latest fund is supportedby discounted SBCI (StrategicBanking Corporation ofIreland) funding for eligibleprojects. The Minister for Agriculture,Food, the Marine andDefence, Simon CoveneyT.D., welcomed theannouncement, saying:“confirmation that AIB isintroducing a subsequentfund on this scale will help tosupport and grow all sectorsof the farming industry. Thefact that the first fund hasseen such a high level ofdrawdown is indicative of theappetite for capital in thefarming community and thenecessity for ongoingbanking support.”AIB’s Managing Director of

Loans for FarmersPAC Ireland welcomesGlanbia’s initiative of a€100 million loan fund forfarmers. These loans, arelinked to milk prices, with akeen interest rate of 3.75%

Retail, Corporate & BusinessBanking, Robert Mulhallsaid: “The launch of thisadditional fund demon-strates AIB’s continuedsupport to what is a vital partof the Irish economy. Weare very conscious that 2015was a mixed year for farmingwith volatility a constantfeature of the agri businessgenerally. With the consistentdecline in milk prices andanother low year of marginsin the pig sector, we knowthat farmers may continue toexperience cash flow pres-sure. We urge farmers tocome to AIB where they willreceive advice and support.”Phil Hogan, EU AgricultureCommissioner urged theEuropean Investment Bankto recognise the advantagesof the low cost loan modelas a product worthy ofsupport. PAC welcomes these initia-tives that can help farmersover times when cash flowis tight. However we hopethat any improvement incash flow will be passed onto contractors in terms ofpaying for work within anagreed credit period.Banks should also look atschemes to help agricul-tural contractors wherecash flow is tight wherefarmers are having diffi-culty paying for contractingservices.

The Official Newspaper of The Professional Agricultural Contractors Of Ireland

A MessageFrom TheChairmanPage 2Michael Sheehan

PAC NEWS02 March / April 2016

AdvertisingTel: 01 8400 [email protected]: Gerry Fitzmaurice

Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. DublinTel: 8 400 200

Contact Us:

NewsdeskTel: 01 8400 [email protected] Editor: Tom Murphy - 085 853 0722Managing Editor: Gerry Fitzmaurice

PrinterKerry’s Eye

www.pacnews.ie

The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

Contractors,Thanks to all the contractors who complimented us on the first edition of

PAC NEWS. As I said to them and I’m now saying to you, this is a plat-

form for agricultural contractors to put across their points of view. You

can contact us and ask us to cover issues of interest or tell us what is

happening in your area. This is a work in progress and is the only

forum for agricultural contractors. One area where we have had calls to the PAC office and which has

been reported in the media highlights a potential difficulty with cash

flow for some agricultural contractors. Whilst acknowledging that many

farmers pay their contractor’s bills within an agreed period of time,

many farmers leave their contractors bills to the bottom of the pile. This

is especially true when cash flow is tight maybe due to investment in

farm improvements. We frequently get reports from contractors who

start a new year’s work before last years account has been settled,

certain this is the only way they will get paid. Such extended periods of

credit jeopardise the contractors businesses and their own credit line

especially with fuel suppliers and machinery dealers. Even though farm

incomes continue to come under pressure, contractors must keep a tight

rein on their debtors and collect outstanding monies early and certainly

before carrying out more work. Contractors who are prepared to carry

out new work, confident that arrears will be paid shows great trust for

which I am sure farmers are grateful.

Tom Murphy

Letter From The Editor’s Desk A Message from PAC CHAIRMAN Michael SheehanWe all enjoy a good confer-ence and PAC appreciates allthose contractors whoattended our conference backin November, which was agreat and informative day.However a conference doesnot always fully convey thehuge amount of work thatgoes on behind the scenes toensure that the interests ofagricultural contractors areproperly represented. PACworks diligently on behalf ofus contractors, PAC doesn’t believe in abusing or beratingothers – our administration just gets on with the job. The artof lobbying does not involve table thumping or shouting theodds; if you want to impress the people who can influenceyour cause, you have to do it in a professional way. PACdoes just this. Recognised and respected by a wide range ofstakeholders along with Local, National and EuropeanGovernment Departments, PAC representatives go straight tothe heart of these establishments on your behalf. PAC’s main concern has always been with the long termfuture of the agricultural contracting industry, to help ushave a better life and for us contractors to have sustainablebusinesses. Tom Murphy and I had a long meeting withProfessor Gerry, Director of Teagasc during which westressed the importance of taking agricultural contractors into account in future planning and to make training coursesavailable to ensure contractors are aware of new technologyand ready to meet the changing needs of farmers. This is what a professional administration is about, notmarching and protesting, but getting down to the real workof providing us with professional representation. That’s whywe need to be part of PAC.Michael Sheehan – Agricultural Contractor, Co. Tipperary

Muintir Na Tire - Floods,The Good And The BadDuring the flooding manyagricultural contractorscame to the assistance oftheir neighbours and othersin communities all overIreland. Muintir na Tíre, theNational Association forCommunity Development,has commended the workcarried out by Communitygroups in the f loodingcrisis. National President,Paddy Byrne, said “muchrecognition has been givento the work carried out byEmergency Services, andrightly so, as they haveoften gone beyond the callof duty. However the workcarried out by CommunityCouncils, Community AlertGroups and other voluntarycommunity groups should

also be recognised.”He continued “these groupsprovided manpower, dayand night, to protect theirneighbours, particularly theelderly and the vulnerable.

They stacked sandbags,manned pumps, and deliv-ered emergency supplies.This prevented much moredamage to life and prop-erty.”“Muintir na Tíre CommunityCouncils are well known fortheir community initiativessuch as running communitycentres, community crèchesand other facil i t ies and

providing much neededservices such as Meals onWheels, youth services, andmany others. However it iswhen the chips are down ina community that theyreally come to the fore.”CEO, Niall Garvey alsoadded that Muintir na Tírehas been raising floodingissues for some time nowand seeking solutions

before the current crisis. Hesaid “early in 2015, Muintirna Tíre launched the SaveRural Ireland initiative, inpartnership with severalother national bodies.”“One of the first commonissues identif ied by thebodies was that of floodingand its impact on communi-ties. In particular Save RuralIreland identified the diffi-culties with insurance coveras being of primary impor-tance to communities. Wehighlighted the anomalythat the state has spent over€500 million on flood reliefworks to date producingvery successful engineeringsolutions, yet people are stillbeing refused flood insur-ance in areas where theproblem has been solved.”

“We made a number ofrecommendations toGovernment, including thatthe Memorandum ofUnderstanding with theinsurance industry beamended to guaranteeinsurance cover for homesand businesses in areaswhere f lood preventionmeasures have beencompleted by the OPW.”“Unfortunately it is now toolate for some, but we stillhope this will be imple-mented urgently so thatpeople can continue to livein their homes and busi-nesses can continue tooperate. Otherwisecommunit ies with anyhistory, or even slight futurerisk, of f looding, faceextinction.”

Beware - Misuseof Marked DieselThe penalties for the misuse of marked diesel can varywidely. Recent Revenue lists of defaulters show thatfines imposed were as high as €14,000. Justremember that marked fuel is not for use in the jeepor car and should be confined to use in the appro-priate agricultural vehicles.

PAC NEWS 03March / April 2016The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

The purpose of land drainage is to removeexcess water from the soil as quickly aspossible. How best to achieve this will varywith soil type. There is a need for a betterunderstanding of the underlying causes ofdrainage problems and of the design andimplementation of drainage systems toresolve these problems. We must moveaway from the short-sighted approach thata broadly similar drainage system can beinstalled in every wet field regardless of soiland site conditions. Soils have the effect ofirregularly distributing water flow, with finetextured soils acting as a barrier to move-ment, impeding drainage, and lenses ofgravels and sands promoting water flow,transmitting groundwater over large areaswith resulting seepages and springs onlower ground. Drainage investigations are carried out todetermine the nature of the problem. Anumber (approx. 1 per ha) of test pits (at

least 2.5 m deep) are excavated within thearea to be drained. As the test pits aredug, the faces of the pits are observed, soiltype is established and the rate and depthof water seepage into the test pit (if any)recorded. The depth and type of the drainsto be installed will depend on the interpre-tation of the characteristics revealed by thetest pits.Two types of drainage system are defined:o A groundwater drainage system: Anetwork of drains exploiting permeablelayers and,o A shallow drainage system: Where move-ment of water is impeded at all depthsGroundwater Drainage SystemStrong inflow of groundwater or seepage

from the faces of test pitwalls, indicate that layersof high permeability arepresent. Under thesecircumstances the use ofa piped drainage system(at the depth of inflow) isadvised to capture andremove this water,thereby controlling thewater table. Deep pipeddrains are usuallyinstalled at a depth of1.5-2.5 m and at spac-ings of 15–50 m,depending on thepermeability and thick-ness of the drainagelayer. Piped drainsshould be installedacross the slope to inter-cept as much ground-

water as possible, with open drains andmain piped drains running in the directionof maximum slope. Where groundwaterseepage and springs are identified, deepdrains can be used to intercept flow.Shallow Drainage SystemsWhere a test pit shows no inflow of ground-water at any depth a shallow drainagesystem is required. These soils with verylow permeability throughout are more diffi-cult to drain. Shallow drainage systems aimto improve the capacity of the soil totransmit water by fracturing and crackingthe soil. They rely on soil disruption tech-niques, namely; mole and gravel moledrainage and sub-soiling. Collector drains,

which are installed across the slope at 0.8 –1.0 m deep, are required for all shallowdrainage systems. Depending on the topog-raphy, the collector drains will be at aspacing of 10–40 m. The disruption chan-nels themselves are drawn at right angles tothe collectors (up-slope) at spacings of 1.0-1.5 m and a depth of approximately 0.4-0.6 m. The Teagasc Heavy Soils researchprogramme will launch a land drainagetraining course this year to be run over 8days (4 x 2 days) across a number of loca-tions in the September-November Period.The course will cover soil characterisation,hydrology, land drainage problems andtheir diagnosis, land drainage system typesand design and the aftercare of drainagesystems and drained lands. It will entailboth indoor and field based elements.Places will be limited and a fee of €750 willbe charged. Any queries can be sent [email protected].

Getting the mostfrom Land Drainage

By Dr Pat Tuohy, Teagasc

Drainage Trench Excavation

Test Pit Excavation

Drain

Land DrainageOpportunitiesfor AgriculturalContractorsThe experience and knowledge ofprofessional agricultural contrac-tors is a valuable, but often underutilised, resource to Irish farming.The Teagasc Heavy SoilsProgramme aims to improve theprofitability of grassland on heavysoils by the use of key technologies,including appropriate drainagesolutions. Professor Gerry Boyle(Director, Teagasc) stated at thePAC Conference that Landdrainage is one area where appro-priately trained agriculturalcontractors are ideally placed toadvise farmers and undertake thiswork. Later this year Teagasc willprovide courses for machinerycontractors involved in landdrainage work. See above anarticle by Patrick Tuohy, HeavySoils Programme, Teagasc.

The recent flooding which has devastated so manycommunities around the country was record breakingfor many reasons. The flooding came at the end ofthe warmest year globally on record. Unprecedentedstorms super charged by climate change havepummelled Ireland with storms resulting in an entirewinter's worth of rainfall falling during Decemberalone.An Taisce first called for a single authority for theShannon river basin over 30 years ago, it is the basicstep required for coherent flood management andnow, with climate change, it is even more urgentlyrequired. Any Task Force or Single Authority that isformed must also allow for proper Public Participationin the form of Social, Community and Environmentalgroups.One of the first reports of the Shannon CatchmentFlood Risk Assessment Management Study is aJacobs report that summarises the current knowl-edge and references the many previous reports.The important points of those reports are:* There is no single, simple solution to preventflooding along the River Shannon, and a combina-tion of works would be required to reduce flood levelsby a significant degree.* The ESB Regulations for managing Loughs Derg,Ree and Allen provide, on balance, optimummanagement of floods within existing storage andland control capabilities.

* The effects of high Lough Derg levels do not extendupstream above Meelick Weir.* Localised dredging upstream of Meelick Weir wasnot found to have a significant impact on flood levels.* The extent of aquatic and riverside vegetation hasincreased over the last 50 years, and at constrictedlocations such growth will have some affect on floodlevels.* The River Shannon and its callows are, over muchof their length, considered to have environmentalsignificance on an international scale.* There is a case for one organisation being respon-sible for overseeing all flood management operationson the River Shannon prior to, during and after aflood event.* The principal cause of flooding between Meelickand Athlone is the shallow gradient of the river andthe limited channel capacity along this reach.Channel works along this reach would be critical tothe success of any general scheme.* The issue of siltation has repeatedly been identifiedas a potential problem, but has never been quanti-fied or proven as a problem.* Enhanced management of storage in Loughs Dergand Ree (and possibly Lough Allen) could form partof a scheme for relieving flooding from short dura-tion floods, but would not eliminate major winterflooding as a standalone option. * The use of embankments as a general flood relief

option is not likely to be viable due to local soil types,but may have localised applications.* The use of river diversions for flood relief wouldeither be entirely uneconomical or offer no significantbenefit.* The development of an effective storage areaabove Roosky Weir would be uneconomical due tosignificant inundation of infrastructure, properties,etc.* The impacts of any scheme would need to beassessed in relation to the economic benefit, environ-ment, navigation, fisheries, tourism, etc.Apparently simple quick-fix flood protectionmeasures such as dredging and 'hard engineeringoften have short-lived usefulness or unintendednegative consequences . As communities in the UKare finding out, 'soft engineering', working withnature is often far more effective and, in the long-run, far less costly.Very few regions in Ireland have escaped thedevastating effects of flooding, which has also hada serious impact on farming. There are bound tobe knock-on effects for agricultural contractingbusinesses too, whether that be with work time-lines, ground conditions or machinery wear andtear. We need to know if and how your businesswill be affected and if you have views on how theGovernment should deal with it. Contact PACNEWS on [email protected]

Dredging the Shannon - Not the solution to Flooding

PAC NEWS04 March / April 2016The Voice Of Agricultural Contractors

As part of its responsibility to monitor the threat from organ-ised crime in Europe, Europol has identified a growth in thetrade of illegal and counterfeit pesticides. The exceptional‘low risk – high profit’ margin, combined with the lack ofharmonisation in legislation and implementation, make thisa fast growing area of organised crime.Although at the present this is not a huge problem inIreland, a reported 7-10% of pesticide products on the EUmarket are reportedas being illegal.Indeed late last year190t of counterfeitproduct was seized inEurope. PAC urges AgriContractors andfarmers to be vigilantand check that pesti-cide products theypurchase and use aregenuine. Illegal pesti-cides threaten thehealth of agriculturalworkers andconsumers and posea risk to our environ-ment. The trade in illegal and counterfeit pesticides is organised by highly sophisticated criminal networks and theassociated global revenues are estimated to be billions ofeuros a year.

Illegal pesticides are untested and uncontrolled so theiruse can:

• Endanger thehealth of sprayeroperators• Result in cropfailure, rejection ordestruction• Create environ-mental r isks towildl i fe, soil andwater • Leave unknownresidues in soil toc o n t a m i n a t efollowing crops• Leave unknownresidues in foodproducts leading torecalls• Lead to the risk of

prosecution and criminal proceedings• Jeopardise entitlements and farm quality assurancestatus• Undermine pesticide controls

WATCH OUTFOR ILLEGALPESTICIDES

8 KEY TIPS• Buy only known Crop Protection Products from reputable suppliers• Check the accreditation of advisers recommending and/or supplying

products• Always be wary of unrealistic prices• Check that the product on the invoice and delivery note matches the

product ordered and delivered• Check that packaging is professional, tamper-proof and securely

sealed and has a full label written in English• Check the colour and appearance of the product are as expected.• If you are told the product “is the same as AN Other” and is a

parallel import, ask who made it and which country it came from.Check the label for details of the producer, approval holder and offi-

cial authorisation and look for it on:http://www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/ or call PCS on 01 6157552

Following our successful submission PAC Ireland looksforward to the introduction of legislation to allow for a pilotscheme to permit flexibility within the existing closedperiod, for cutting and burning of vegetation under Section40 of the Wildlife Acts. This is in line with the view of PACcontractors that strict farming by calendar is becomingincreasingly unrealistic.The exact details and limitations of the proposed pilotscheme are yet to be published and PAC will take part indiscussions with the Minster to ensure that the interests ofagricultural contractors are represented. PAC also welcomes the Minister’s intention to launch anawareness programme for the public and stakeholders andhopes this will lead to a clearly defined and consistentunderstanding across all local authorities and otherenforcement bodies.There are other areas that contribute to the maintenance ofour hedgerow network, in particular trimming and cuttingtechniques employed. Using an experienced and trainedhedge cutting contractor not only means that hedges willbe cut to recommended standards but that landownerskeep within the law.

Hedge CuttingChanges Afoot

Typical Hedgerow

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth,development and reproduction. Despite nitrogenbeing one of the most abundant elements onearth, nitrogen deficiency is probably the mostcommon nutritional problem affecting plantsworldwideThe most important increase in crop yield wasachieved when farmers began to import externalsources of nitrogen onto the land. First and fore-most the use of organic nitrogen with manureand slurry, then in the middle of the last century,synthetic nitrogen with fertilisers such as urea,ammonium nitrate. We know that some plants contribute to nitrogenfixation including the legumes family Fabaceae –for example genus such as clover, soybeans andalfalfa. Legumes contain a symbiotic bacteriacalled Rhizobia within the nodules of their rootsystems that produce nitrogen compounds thathelp the plant to grow and compete with otherplantsGAÏAGO, a French startup created in 2011 hasbeen studying this natural process with a simplegoal; to make it work for crops such as or grass-land, grain or vegetables. The idea is simple andinspired by nature explained M. SamuelMARQUET, GAÏAGO C.E.O.: "We are working onnatural bacteria such as Azotobacter which havethe same ability as the Rhizobia bacteria found inlegumes. These bacteria are already present inthe soil but in very small quantities. We havedeveloped a highly concentrated liquid to besprayed directly on the land, which will promote

the development of Azotobacter in the soil.Azotobacter do not exactly work in symbioticaction with the plant as Rhizobium species but,once they are present in high quantities in theplant rhizosphere and using roots exudates, theycan do the same work: fixing molecular nitrogenfrom the atmosphere to provide nitrogen to theplants". The final product is called FREE N100 and hasbeen tested on a large scale by farmers. Resultsshow yield improvements from 5 to 10 %,depending on the crop with a gain of 2 Euro forevery 1 Euro invested.Our aim is to provide farmers with real and prof-itable solutions to increase crop yield and qualitywhile respecting our environment. Nitrogen fixingbacteria are a viable solution for farmers locatedin nitrogen restricted areas because nitrogenproduced by bacteria does not leach. Yield can bemaintained or improved whilst reducing nitrogeninputs to comply with the EU Nitrates Directive. GAÏAGO has also developed other natural solu-tions to improve soil life activity and to increasephosphorus and potassium availability. SamuelMARQUET states that over 1000 farmers are nowusing GAÏAGO products, mainly in France,Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. GAÏAGO’sgoal is now to offer agronomic solutions to Irishfarmers; they are actively looking for partnershipsin the Irish market with a specific focus on grass-land for better yields, improved quality and higherprofitability for farmers. Contact can be madewith GAÏAGO via their website on www.gaiago.eu

Nitrogen – Another Option


Multi tasking, such as talking or texting on amobile phone whilst driving, has been iden-tified as the ‘most dangerous of drivingmulti-tasks’. Research carried out by Dr. Neale Kinnear,principal psychologist in the study of humanbehaviour and transport, Dr. Alan Stevens,chief scientist and research director withinternationally recognised expertise in‘Human-Machine Interaction’ and NeilGreig from the Inst i tute of AdvancedMotorists has been published. Thisresearch focuses on the dangers involvedwhen drivers try and engage in more thanone task, with results confirming it can havea ‘detrimental’ effect on the quality andaccuracy of driving performance.Looking at the five key areas of distraction -cognitive, visual, auditory, manual andexposure time - the research shows thattexting engages three of these to a ‘high’level – cognitive, visual and manual. A

mobile phone conversation also engagesthree of five areas of distraction to a ‘high’level – cognitive, audible and exposuretime. The report examines the risk rating ofthe key areas of distraction individually andcombined using a risk assessmentapproach.

It was also found that eating and smokingwhile driving result in a high level ofmanual distraction, and that externalsignage and roadside advertising cancreate high levels of visual distraction.While sat-navs are not highly distracting,they do provide a medium level of cognitive

and visual distraction, and exposure time.The research concludes: “Research hasconfirmed that tasks almost always inter-fere with other tasks carried out at thesame time. The brain never actuallyfocuses on two tasks at the same time – itswitches back and forward between them”.“As driving is so complex and requiresvarious cognitive processes, taking onanother task when driving can mean adriver is unable to pay sufficient attentionto all activities required for safe driving.This can lead to a processing failureresulting in a loss of control, putting thedriver and other road users in physicaldanger.” Agricultural machinery drivers operatehighly technical and powerful machineryand PAC encourages al l agricul turalcontractors to advise their drivers not tomulti-task whilst driving – it’s just not worththe risk.

When Multi-Tasking is Just Plain Dangerous

RISK RATING: H = High Level M = Medium Level L = Low Level

Be Prepared. Be Vigilant. STAMP OUTFOREST FIRESThe Department of Agriculture, Food andthe Marine wishes to remind farmers,forest owners, forest managers, agricul-tural contractors and members of thepublic that an inherent risk of fire existsduring spring months on certain types ofland, particularly in upland areas.The Department also wishes to remind thegeneral public that a number of majorwildfires have occurred in recent yearswhich destroyed or damaged property,including farmland and forests. It should be noted that, following dryweather patterns, a wildfire risk can quicklydevelop in all areas where flammablevegetation such as grasses, gorse andheather are present, especially in proximityto forests and other assets. Land owners,rural dwellers and other land users areasked to maintain a high degree of vigi-lance regarding fire over the comingmonths.The Department urges all forest ownersand forest managers to check their fireplans and to ensure that fire-breaks areclear of flammable vegetation and forestaccess routes are clear of obstructions. Land owners are reminded that it is illegal,under the Wildlife Acts, to burn growingvegetation on uncultivated land between1st March and 31st August and thatpersons engaged in such illegal activity areliable to prosecution. The Departmentalso warns landowners that land found tohave been burned during the specifiedclosed season for burning would beconsidered automatically ineligible underthe various support schemes, and that avariety of detection systems, includingsatellite based systems, were now in placeto detect fire hotspots and trigger moredetailed eligibility inspections whererequired.Suspicious activity should be reported tothe Gardaí and uncontrolled or unat-tended fires should be reported immedi-ately to the Fire and Emergency Services.Forest owners must be especially vigilant inprotecting their investments.

Save the date for an exciting commemorative eventbeing staged by Teagasc in partnership with GalwayCounty Council. Farming and Country Life 1916,will be Ireland’s largest rural 1916 commemorativeevent and will take place at the historic MellowsCampus, Athenry on 10th and 11th June.Launching the event, Prof. Gerry Boyle, Director ofTeagasc said “This will be the most significant 1916commemorative event to take place in rural Ireland.I want to acknowledge the enormous cooperation wehave received from all of our collaborators. I alsowant to acknowledge our title sponsor, FBD, whohave been extremely supportive of this project”.The event will be a free to attend and will appeal toa wide audience across the generations, urban andrural, farm families, schools, the Diaspora and visi-tors to Ireland. The event willincorporate a packedschedule of entertainment forall ages and picnic area willbe available. Expected atten-dance is 50,000 making thisthe largest 1916 commemo-ration to be hosted outside ofDublin.The event will reflect on animportant part of l i fe inIreland at the beginning of thelast century and provide highquality educational, authenticexhibits that will accurately tellthe story of local 1916 militaryevents. There will be a seriesof highly interactive villagesthat will explore all aspects offarming and country life inIreland 100 years ago andwill chart the major develop-ments in the first half of the20th century. A large number of farming,rural, community and volun-tary, local and nationalorganisations will participatein the event.

An Historical CommerativeEvent For The Whole Family

Event Highlights• Performances from musicians, actors and various artists from across the country • A life size replica of the GPO will form the backdrop for a major interactive ‘Ireland 1916’ display.• A large equine display will showcase working horses of the 1916 era and include live demonstrations• The craft and artisan producers’ village will demonstrate the skills that were part of life in 1916.• Family entertainment area including community circus• Panel discussions, debates and lectures relating to rural life and farming.• Livestock from the 1916 era.• Interactive replica of the 1916 farm house.• Live hurling and football matches in attire of the day.• Agricultural education in 1916.• Rural electrification display.• Farm mechanisation – steam powered tractors, vintage machinery including live demonstrations.


Potential risks from electrically powered gates were recentlyhighlighted by the tragic deaths of two children in separateincidents in the UK. Investigations identified a number ofissues relating to the design, installation, commissioningand the management and maintenance of gates duringuse.Therefore agricultural contractors whether they areemployers or self-employed who are considering installingelectric gates or already have them installed must ensure,so far as is reasonably practicable, the design, provisionand maintenance of safe means of access to and egressfrom a place of work, and the design, provision and main-tenance of machinery that is safe and without risk tohealth.There is a duty of care on manufacturers of powered gatesto ensure that before placing a product on the market orputting it into use at any place that it satisfies health andsafety requirements and other requirements laid down bythe European Communities (Machinery) Regulations, 2008(S.I. No. 407/2008). Compliance with these requirementswill normally be achieved by adherence to the relevantEuropean standards. Information or instructions requiredon how to operate the gates should be made available tothe person or organisation that the gates are produced for.An EC declaration of conformity should be produced, andthe gates CE marked.

Hazard identification and risk assessment associated withelectrically powered gates should include consideration of:-• points where persons may be injured by being crushed orbecome trapped;• forces required for closing/opening the gates and forcesgenerated by a gate when meeting a person or anobstacle;• hazards associated with gates being activated automati-cally, or by another person• possible ways in which safe operating systems (such askey-pad or key-fob systems) could be defeated, by-passedor inappropriately operated, Where hazards cannot be eliminated, measures which mayhelp to reduce the risk include:• creating safety distances, e.g. ensuring adequate distancebetween the control panel and the nearest danger point onthe gate;• installing guards, e.g. a fixed guard to covermechanical trap points such as guide rollers orsprocket drives;• operating the gate in hold to run mode;• limiting the forces;• installing sensitive protective equipment suchas pressure sensitive strips, safety sensorflooring, and light barriers or infra-red detectors(photoelectric devices).

To achieve an acceptable level of safety a combination ofthe above approaches or measures may be necessary.The force of the gates should be limited to those specifiedin the European standards. The gates should also reverseif they inadvertently hit someone or something, and thegates should have an emergency release mechanism incase someone gets trapped.Where there are concerns about the safe operation of anyelectrically powered gate, they should be examined by a competent person who is familiar with the requirementsof the Regulations and relevant European Directives and Standards.

Electrically PoweredGates – Risk Alert

References:European Communities (Machinery) Regulations, 2008 (S.I. No. 407/2008)I.S. EN 12635:2002+A1:2008: Industrial, commercial and garage doorsand gates - Installation and useIS EN 12604:2000:Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates -Mechanical Aspects- RequirementsIS EN 12453:2000: Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates -Safety in use of power operated doors - Requirements.

Risks During Removal OfSplit Rim/Multi Piece Wheels Following a recent incident, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA)has issued an urgent warning to owners, agri contractors, plantoperators and tyre fitters with regard to the handling and repair ofmultipiece or split rim wheels.Split rim wheels are different from standard one piece wheels.Spilt rims are multi-piece wheels, where the tyre is held in place bya locking ring. Split rims are not normally used on cars or lightvehicles, they are however found on a number of larger vehicletypes. This type of wheel configuration is commonly associatedwith lorries, tractors, forklifts, and other heavy vehicles.A failure to put in place the necessary safety control measureswhen working with split rim and multi piece wheels can give riseto serious hazards, as there is a risk of failure of the multipiecewheels. Failure of multipiece (Split Rim) wheels canresult in violent separation, the explosive release ofhigh pressure air and the ejection of componentparts. The rapid release of explosive force from aruptured tyre/tube or violent separation of thecomponent parts of the wheel can result in seriousinjuries including fatalities.Machine owners should familiarise themselves withthe type of tyre/wheel assembly fitted to their equip-ment and ensure that machine operators and main-tenance staff are aware of the necessary safetycontrol measures that they must put in place to elim-inate/reduce the risk of serious injury arising fromthe hazards of working with multi-piece wheels.

Removing Split Rim or Multipiece Wheels from your Vehicle1. Use a safe system of work2. Before beginning any work on a multipiece rim, inspect the tyre and wheel assembly for damage

or incorrectly fitted parts. If there is damage or incorrectly fitting parts it may be necessary to putadditional control measures in place

3. Divided or Split Wheels should always be fully deflated before removal from the vehicle. In allsituations it is best practice to deflate pneumatic tyres prior to beginning removal of the wheelsfrom the vehicle in order to reduce or eliminate the risk of explosion

4. Deflate the tyres, both tyres in a dual assembly, by removing the valve core. Ensure the tyre iscompletely deflated before removing the wheel from the axle

5. Limit exposure to the danger / trajectory zone until the tyre is deflated. Stand to the side and outof the way in case of a sudden disassembly.

One wheel from a dual multi piece wheelfitted to an excavator

For more information visit: www.vwscandal.ie

Laura Shannon Vincent ShannonOllie Shannon Tim Shannon

DO YOU OWN A VW, AUDI, SEAT OR SKODA THAT IS AFFECTED

BY THE EMISSIONS SCANDAL? Contact Ollie Shannon 01-8401780

or [email protected] if you have received a letter from VW.

Shannons Solicitors have issued and served Circuit Courtproceedings on behalf of owners that have been affected

by the emissions scandal, seeking compensation for breachof contract, misrepresentation, fraud and depreciation.

Owners should not allow VW remove the software without issuing proceedings.


PAC welcomes the launch of a new farmsafety DVD by Agri Aware, the independentIrish agri-food educational body, ‘Once Upona Farm’ is aimed at communicating the manypotential dangers on farms and in the country-side, to primary level students across Ireland.This farm safety film is aimed directly atprimary level students, from both rural andurban areas. Supported by FBD, IFA and ESBNetworks, this seven minute film has been sentto over 3,300 primary schools across the

country to assist teachers in educating theirstudents about the importance of farm andcountryside safety.Agri Aware Chairman, Mr. Richard Moeranexplained, “Preventing farm accidents is aboutintroducing awareness to all individuals whovisit, or work on our farms. That message ofsafety awareness is especially important tochildren and the launch of this video is part ofa national strategy to help prevent futuretragedies”. Agri Aware Chief Executive, Dr.

Vanessa Woods, added, “Agri Aware ishugely committed to promoting and commu-nicating the importance of farm safety topeople of all ages, especially reminding themthat the farm is not a playground. ”Engaging students from a young age on theimportance of farm and countryside safety iscrucial given that four out of eighteen farmfatalities in 2015 involved children. Also some90% of farm accidents involve an unsafe act,with machinery being the most commoncause of farm-related deaths, followed by live-stock and drowning. Therefore, learningabout farm and countryside safety at a youngage allows children to take these importantmessages and lessons with them for life, intotheir homes and wider communities.From 11 April, schools will be able to givefeedback on the DVD. Students can sharetheir stories, explain what they learned bywatching the DVD and tell what they plan to

do in terms of promoting farm and country-side safety in their schools, at home and intheir communities. See the Agri Awarewebsite www.agriaware.ie Once Upon

A Farm

+ HEALTH WATCH

Increasing age, excess weight, inactivityand poor diet all add to the risk of devel-oping Type 2 Diabetes. According to theHealth Services Executive there are over aquarter of a million adults in Ireland withType 2 Diabetes and many more whohave not yet been diagnosed.Risk Factors and SymptomsKnowing the risk factors and symptomsfor diabetes is important as non-diagnosiscan seriously affect your quality of life.Early detection, effective treatment andgood control will help avoid the moreserious health related problems associ-ated with diabetes and help maintain agood quality of life.

If You Are WorriedBook a visit with your GP, a simple testwill ease any worries you may have. Ifyou are diagnosed with diabetes yourdoctor will take steps to treat and help youcontrol your condition.Reduce the Chances of DevelopingType 2 DiabetesA healthy lifestyle will help. Giving up ciga-rettes and drinking alcohol sensibly willalso help to avoid developing diabetes. Eata nutritious diet and if necessary loseweight. Keep active and eat regularly,watch your portion size and follow a dietthat is low in refined sugars and fat. This means:• Choosing lower fat options when eating

meat, poultry, dairy prod-ucts and spreads.• Enjoying a good varietyof fresh fruit and vegeta-bles• Gett ing most of yourenergy from unrefined andwhole grain foods• Keeping high sugar, highfat foods as treats only• Eating a wide variety offoods is the key to ensuringthat you get all the nutrientsyou need.Very large portions ofcarbohydrate may increaseyour blood sugars andcontribute to you eventuallydeveloping type 2 diabetes.Large amounts of carbo-hydrate may alsolead you to puton weight. Fora healthy diet,

choose carbohydrate that is high in fibrelike wholemeal bread, wholegrain break-fast cereals, jacket potatoes and whole-grain rice and pasta. These help to keepblood sugar and blood fat (cholesterol)levels down and help to fill us up.If left undiagnosed Diabetes can havesignificant health implications, such aslower limb amputation, heart disease,

stroke or blindness. Early diagnosis orpreferably life style changes that preventthe disease can avoid serious conse-quences.There is a wide range of support availableto those suffering with diabetes - visit theDiabetes Ireland website or the HealthServices Executive for further information.

Type 2 Diabetes

YOU COULD BE AT RISKIF YOU:• Are over 40 years of age• Have a parent or sibling with diabetes• Are overweight for your height• Do not take 30 minutes physical activity daily• Have high blood pressure• Have high cholesterol• Are female and had diabetes in pregnancy

DO YOU HAVE ANY OFTHESE SYMPTOMS?• Fatigue, lack of energy• Extreme thirst• Frequent urination• Rapid unexplained weight gain/loss• Frequent infections• Blurred vision• Numbness, pain/tingling in hands or feet


What is Succession?Results of a PAC Survey and subjects raised during Discussion Groups has found that manycontractors are concerned about succession both in the context of passing on their businesson retirement or what would happen in the event of their sudden death. Top of the list ofworries were tax and banking implications and providing for the family. Succession is not all about your retirement; it is about a long term plan for your business andwhen done properly also includes drawing up a Will. UK research carried out on more than 700 agricultural businesses showed fewer than halfhad a succession plan in place and there is no reason to believe we are any better in Ireland.Indeed a PAC survey showed that 60% of agricultural contractors over the age of 50 did nothave a succession plan.

A WillIt is never too early to make a Will. This is especially important when you are running a busi-ness. We hear of situations where there was no Will and no arrangements for succession inplace resulting in bank accounts being frozen, making life very difficult for those left behind.Every single agricultural contracting business and their family is different; that is why it is soimportant to use the services of an independent advisor or specialist. We asked Peter Staines,Partner at Kennedy Law (Dublin office,) one of the leading law firms specialising in agricultureto give us an overview on Business Succession and Estate Planning.

Over the years I have always beensurprised by the reluctance of peopleinvolved in business, in particular agribusiness, to consider the issue of busi-ness succession and estate planning.One client who, notwithstanding poten-tial serious tax issues, resolutely refusedto make a Will on the basis “Anyone heknew who made a Will, died”. Thisapproach, whilst extreme, is indicative ofmany people’s thinking. Failure to take time to think aboutbringing family members into the busi-ness, dealing with assets held by thebusiness and ultimately focused EstatePlanning will cause considerable prob-lems for family members after you havepassed on. This could include a substan-tial inheritance tax bill that could cripplethe business and assets may end upbeing inherited in a way you did notintend.Having all the shares in the businessdivided amongst all the family canrender the business inoperable andconflicts can bring your business to it’sknees. Lack of proper provision beingmade for certain members of the familywho may need it most can also causegreat hardship and resentment.The Succession Act of 1965 sets outwhat happens to a person’s assets whenthey die, how they are distributed andcertain rights and obligations thatspouses may have in relation to a claimon the estate. Where one of the assets in an estate is abusiness, having the business passunder an intestacy (where there is noWill) could have serious consequences.

For example members of the family whohave been actively involved in the busi-ness may now have to deal with familymembers who have neither the experi-ence nor interest in running the businessbut will look for their share out of thevalue of the business, often making itimpossible to continue to run the busi-ness.We recommend to clients that part of aprocess looking at Business SuccessionPlanning should include the making of aWill. A Will only has effect from date of deathbut where a business is involved leavingthe passing ofcontrol of thebusiness untilthen, may be toolate toencourage thenext generationto come into thebusiness. Sitting down withyour family todiscuss how thebusiness can bepassed on allows for honest and opendiscussion as to people’s expectationsand understanding. It also ensures themost tax efficient way of dealing with abusiness succession. If agricultural landforms part of estate there can besubstantial tax advantages if the benefi-ciary can claim Agricultural Relief (if they

meet certain criteria) so seeking profes-sional advice is very important. The person making the Will, the testator,has an opportunity to best decide howtheir assets can be distributed after theypass on. The decisions that are to bemade in relation to the Will can also bedecided in an overall review and contextof the business and of the family needs.It is again recommended that in manycases that a family conference would beheld to discuss how all this can be bestmanaged. Making a Will can also createa more tax efficient distribution of yourassets after death.To assist your solicitor drafting a Willprepare a list of your assets and liabili-ties. Consider the needs and require-ments of your family. These will change

over the years. What may be appropriatewhen all the children are under 18 maybe considerably different as they moveinto their 30s, 40s and 50s.There is no legal requirement to leaveanything to your children or to divide theestate equally. Indeed in a family busi-ness many advisors believe the most

appropriate way to deal with the businessis to leave it to the member of the familywho has been involved with and inter-ested in running the business. If any ofthe children feel that the parent has failedin their moral duty to make adequateand proper provision for them during theperson’s lifetime or in the Will then theperson can bring a claim under section117 of the Succession Act.Where a will is in place the survivingspouse is legally entitled to one third ofthe estate and can appropriate the familyhome towards this one third share.Bequests can also be made to leavecertain sums or items to individuals suchas friends, grandchildren or charities.Particularly when dealing with businessassets, it is essential that professionaladvice be obtained from a taxationadvisor and a solicitor before the Will isfinalised and executed.We strongly recommend that individualsreview their circumstances every fiveyears or so and take into accountchanges in circumstances. If you haven’tmade a Will or it was made a goodnumber of years ago it is worthwhile

reviewing it. If youwish to step back fromthe business and thereis no obvioussuccessor you couldconsider leasing thebusiness or bringing apartner on board. Coming back to myreluctant client; he didmake a Will and manyyears later is still withus! The consequences

of ignoring business succession andestate planning can cause considerabledifficulties and create substantial prob-lems for the family during what is a verydifficult time so I strongly encourage youto take the time to address the subject ofBusiness Succession and EstatePlanning.

Business Successionand Estate Planning

A person dying without a Will is deemed to havedied Intestate and their Estate is divided as follows:Surviving spouse – no children........All assets to spouse

Surviving spouse & children............Two thirds to spouse, one third to children

No spouse or children....................Estate is divided amongst the deceased’sbrothers and sisters and if they have predeceased then the assets are passed on to their children.

Contributor: James Staines, Partner,Kennedys Law, Dublin


PAC Ireland welcomed the introduction lastyear of the BSc in AgriculturalMechanisation, based in the Institute ofTechnology Tralee. PAC Chairman MichaelSheehan points out that such courses canonly help the agri contracting sector, “Wewill need skilled owners and operatives overthe coming years to take full advantage ofthe opportunities of “smart and precision”agriculture”. This course provides a solidfoundation for a career in agri-mechanicroles anywhere in the world, including agri-cultural contracting, farm machinery manu-facturing, and in machinery maintenanceand repair”. Graduates will gain knowledge and under-standing of the function, operating princi-ples, service procedures and fault diagnosisof tractors and farm machinery, electricaland electronic systems as applied to agri-cultural machinery, precision farmingsystems, the creation and maintenance ofdigital records, workshop techniquesincluding health and safety, pre-deliveryinspection routine for agricultural

machinery and effective engagement withcustomers.PAC Ireland spoke to Denise in the LifeLong Learning Department who told us thatthe first intake of students were enjoying thecourse and progressing well. She remindedus that Applications for 2016 are open andmust be received by 1st July, 2016.Applicants need to have Leaving Certificate:five subjects at grade D or better. Requiredsubjects are English OR Irish at OD3 leveland Mathematics at OD3 level.Applications will be considered on a caseby case basis where candidates do not havethe above qualifications but do have appro-priate work experience or have completeother relevant FETAC courses.The course is run over three academic yearsand students will undertake 3 periods ofwork-placement over the duration of theprogramme. These placements will be of aminimum duration of 12 weeks each. Forfurther information please contact MaryStritch, at Institute of Technology Tralee Tel:066 7191701

Bachelor of Science inAgricultural Mechanisation

European Platform to TackleUndeclared WorkIn a recent vote the European Parliament endorseddraft EU legislation establishing a “EuropeanPlatform” to enhance cooperation in combatingundeclared work. The platform would enhancecooperation among EU member states' labourministries, trade unions and employers' associationsabout how best to tackle a problem that is damagingthe EU economy and distorting the labour market. Itis staggering to realise that the “undeclaredeconomy” accounts for 18% of EU GDP. It alsoundermines businesses as agricultural contractorsknow only too well.“Undeclared work” generally means any paid activitythat is lawful in nature, but not declared to publicauthorities such as tax offices or labour inspec-torates.

PAC’S ViewPAC has always and will continue to challengegovernment departments to be proactive in closingdown the shadow economy. Professional agricul-tural contractors are an integral part of Irish agricul-ture and are undermined in every way by thoseoperating the shadow economy. Operators that donot pay VAT or PAYE/PRSI, do not have contractinginsurance, renege for no reason on their machineryrepayments and do not comply with safety require-ments can charge considerably less for their services.When the services of the shadow economy are toler-ated it not only distorts true farm production costs,but affects all medium and long term agriculturalplanning as well as the survival of legitimatecontracting businesses.

PAC has been made aware that draft rules to cut emissionsof major air pollutants from non-road mobile machinery(NRMM), ranging from lawn mowers to bulldozers, tractorsand inland waterway vessels, have been backed byEnvironment Committee MEPs. NRMM engines account forabout 15% of all NOx and 5% of particulate emissions inthe EU.This is seen to be a crucial step in setting rules that, byimproving air quality, enhance EU citizens' lives. The draftrules would cover internal combustion engines used inmachines ranging from small handheld equipment, suchas lawn mowers and chain saws, through agricultural and

farming machinery (harvesters, cultivators), constructionmachinery (bulldozers, excavators), to railcars, locomotivesand inland waterway vessels. MEPs amended the rules tokeep the red tape placed on small firms to a minimum.

What Happens Next?Informal negotiations with the Council of Ministers havecommenced with a view to reaching a first-reading agree-ment, which would then be put to a vote in Parliament. As always PAC will keep a close eye on progress and willensure that the interests of Irish agricultural contractorsare represented at all times.

Environment MEPs Vote to CurbOff-Road Engine Pollution

Following on from years of reduced recycling prices IrishFarm Film Producers Group tell us there will be a smallrise in costs in 2016. Over the past few years IFFPG,which is a not for profit organisation, have been able toprovide significant savings to farmers and contractors as aresult of passing on savings associated with reduced recy-cling costs. Unfortunately however 2016 will see prices forsilage plastic rise from €12 per half tonne to €15 per halftonne.It is very important that farmers and contractors providethe 6 digit label code at bring-centres or when booking afarm collection, as this entitles them to significantlyreduced collection fees.Items that can be brought to Bring Centres include: silagewrap and sheeting, largefertiliser and feed bags withl iners removed, smallfert i l iser and feed bags,drums (triple rinsed) andnetting and twine.There are bring centres situ-ated throughout Ireland anddetails of the dates and times

in your area can be found on www.farmplastics.ie Hereyou can also find full information on how best to recycleyour farm plastics.

Recycling Farm Plastics


CLAAS ARION 400 withPANORAMIC CAB receivesInternational Design AwardHarsewinkel/Le Mans, February 2016. CLAAS is once again featured among the winners of the internation-ally renowned iF Design Award in 2016. In the "Product" discipline, CLAAS has won the "Automobiles,Vehicles, Bikes" category for the ARION 400 tractor with PANORAMIC cab. The ARION 400 competed against more than 5000 submissions from 53 countries. The products areassessed based upon clear criteria in terms of design quality, processing and functionality. The jury's assess-

ment criteria also include environmental compatibility,safety, innovation and much more.With its harvesting machines and tractors, CLAASfocuses not only on quality, reliability andefficiency, but also on developing amodern and functional design.CLAAS has been working with theindustry designer Paul Buddefrom Münster for over 30 years,and he was the one who putthe ARION 400 withPANORAMIC cab forward forthe IF Design Award this year.Thanks to the completely newPANORAMIC cab design, the

ARION 400 has already won the "SIMA Innovation Award in Gold 2015". The 2.41m_ one-piece windscreen, consisting of the windscreen itself and a glass roof,connected without a crossbeam, was the main challenge when designing the tractoraccording to Paul Budde: "Much like the striking engine bonnet, the new cab design is theonly one of its kind on the market. The one-piece windscreen blends seamlessly into the roof area,providing the driver with an unrestricted view of the front loader at all times. All of the controls are gearedtowards the needs of the driver in a logical arrangement from a technical and functional point of view. TheARION 400 is a universal tractor with an interior and exterior design that reflect a high-quality machine witha reliable and comfortable workspace."

The panoramic cab

SEAT presents its first SUV model. The new Ateca is a uniquecombination of distinctive design and compelling utility. First-class connectivity, innovative assistance systems and highly effi-cient drives are among its technology highlights and make theAteca one of the most innovative SUVs in the segment.Outstanding quality, precision production and excellent value-for-money make the Ateca a true SEAT. Front and centre, however, isits agile, light-footed and precision driving – the Ateca makesevery day and every kilometre that little bit more of an experience. “The SEAT Ateca possesses stunning design and dynamics, andboasts compelling quality and utility. But above all, theAteca exudes unmistakable character,” says Luca de Meo,President of SEAT, S.A. “Our first SUV marks the start of anew era for SEAT. The Ateca is a clear development of theLeon DNA and will drive forward the success of the Leonrange. SEAT is a brand on the move.”When the SEAT Ateca begins advance sales this spring, itwill be available in a wide range of variants. The choice ofpowerful turbocharged TSI petrol and TDI diesel enginesspans from 85 kW / 115 PS to 140 kW / 190 PS, witheither front-wheel or all-wheel drive, not to mentionmanual or dual-clutch DSG transmissions. The extensive array of technology options extends fromfull-LED headlamps through a broad portfolio of assis-tance systems, like the innovative traffic jam assist and thenew Emergency Assist, to a package of latest-generationinfotainment systems with 8-inch touchscreens and FullLink connectivity. Three equipment lines offer colours andtop-quality materials to suit every taste, the top-of-the-range being the Ateca XCELLENCE.Niall Phillips, Brand Director, SEAT Ireland said, “We aredelighted to announce the addition of the all-new SEAT Ateca toour already excellent product line up. The SEAT Ateca marks thebrands entry into a new segment for us and it will, we believe, setthe standard in its class. The introduction of the Ateca comes at atime when the mid-size SUV segment has seen phenomenal

growth, up 51% year to date compared to the same period in2015, increasing its share of the total market from 16.7% to 19%which makes it one of the core segments. The announcement ofthe Ateca adds to what is already an extremely exciting time forthe SEAT brand as we’re currently in the process of rolling out afull re-brand of our dealerships to ensure that our 22 strongdealer network can offer an even better experience with greaterchoice to their customers”. He continued, “The Ateca will epitomise exactly what the SEATbrand stands for; incredible quality, high class design and attrac-

tive, value for money pricing.”In keeping with SEAT tradition, the Ateca derives its name fromSpanish geography. The Ateca vil lage lies in the west ofSaragossa in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.Design – 100 percent SEAT and yet 100 percent SUVThe Ateca’s design is utterly unmistakable offering a strikingcombination of dynamism and functionality. Many elements, like

the trapezoidal grille, the side blisters with their minimum radiiand maximum sharpness and the triangular light signatures, aretypical of brand icons, such as the Leon. Yet every single detailhas been carefully developed to the next level for the Ateca.The front end of the Ateca is 100 percent SEAT and yet 100percent SUV. The large, high grille brims exude self-confidence,while the sharply defined lights and substantial air intakes leaveno doubt as to the Ateca’s dynamic credentials. At the same time,the SUV maintains a muscular stance that exudes solidity and reli-ability.Full-LED headlamps with a clear signatureTypical SEAT features include the optional full-LED headlamps.Combined with the triangular signature of the daytime runninglights, the overall impact is utterly unmistakable. In the Ateca, theindicator lamps are also an integral part of this signature.Interior conveys refined sporting characterThe interior harmonises perfectly with the exterior design - Elegantbut still dynamic and offering that unique feeling of solidity andsafety so highly prized by SUV drivers. Key factors are the raised

seating position as well as the clearly visible vehiclefront end and solid door strips. Excellent use of space with plenty of roomAt an exterior length of 4.36 metres, the Ateca offersthe best use of space in the segment, with maximuminterior length and a luggage compartment that holds510 litres in its standard configuration or 485 litres inthe versions with all-wheel drive. The bodyshell isoutstanding not only for its wide-ranging versatility,but also for its intelligent lightweight design. Incrediblystiff, the Ateca is also among the lightest vehicles in itssegment, which secures an agile driving experiencesuitable for all conditions.The Ateca’s dynamic drive comes courtesy of a paletteof state-of-the-art power units – al l of themturbocharged. Ranging from 85 kW / 115 PS to 140kW / 190 PS with outstanding torque figures acrossthe board, they meet every possible performancedesire. The array of diesel engines starts with the 1.6

TDI and 115 PS. The 2.0 TDI is available with 150 and 190 PS.Consumption figures range from 4.3 to 5.0 litres / 100 km, theCO2 figures from 112 to 131 grams / km. The entry level petrolengine is the 1.0 TSI with 115 PS. The 1.4 TSI comes with cylinderdeactivation under partial load and produces 150 PS. Theconsumption and emissions figures for these engines are between5.3 and 6.2 litres and between 123 to 141 grams.

The New SEAT AtecaStyle, Dynamics and Utility


The new Ford Galaxy can seat seven adultsin comfort one minute, and transport abrace of bikes the next, thanks to a superbfold flat seating system, that makes theconversion of the rear two seat rows amaz-ingly simple and quick.Each seat is independent, so any combina-tion can be raised or lowered, while thehigh roof line and low loading sill ensuresvery large items can slide in and out of thetailgate with ease.The all-new Galaxy also support drivers intown and on the highway with advancedtechnologies including:• Intelligent Speed Limiter, which when acti-vated scans traffic signs and adjusts thethrottle to help drivers stay within legal

speed limits and avoid fines• Glare-Free Highbeam technology for theadaptive LED headlamps, which detectsvehicles ahead and fades out light thatcould dazzle oncoming drivers, whileretaining maximum illumination for otherareasGalaxy takes the nameplate’s signaturecar-like driving dynamics to a new levelwith Ford Adaptive Steering technology,which adjusts steering ratio according to

speed to optimise manoeuvrability andprecision, and Ford’s latest fuel-efficientengines, including the powerful new 210 PSbi-turbo 2.0-litre TDCi diesel.Drivers are supported by systems thatmonitor speed restrictions, pedestrians andother vehicles to help them focus on thetask of driving. Further systems includeFord’s Adaptive Front Lighting System thatadjusts the headlight beam angle to matchthe driving environment, and can preventdazzling other drivers with the Glare-FreeHighbeam function.Galaxy will for the first time enable parentsto easily open the boot door even if theyare juggling shopping bags, pushchairs,and toddlers. The Hands-Free Liftgate now

available on Galaxy canbe opened or closedusing a kicking motionbeneath the rearbumper. Further conve-nience is delivered withstandard power heateddoor mirrors for frostymornings and electricparking brake with HillLaunch Assist.The all-new Galaxy alsois among the first vehi-cles to benefit from Ford

Adaptive Steering technology that will makethe seven-seater easier to manoeuvre intown, and deliver greater steering precisionat higher speeds. Powerful, fuel-efficient new engines willfurther enhance driving appeal in town andon the highway. The new Galaxy is avail-able with Ford’s new 210 PS 2.0-litre TDCiBi-turbo diesel engine that offers enhancedresponsiveness and 450 Nm of torque from2,000 rpm.

Ford’s enhanced 2.0-litre TDCi dieselengine with single variable geometryturbocharger technology is offered with 120PS, 150 PS and 180 PS, featuring revisedengine block, new cylinder-head and fuelinjection designs, and lean NOX trapexhaust after-treatmentsystem for cleaner emis-sions. The petrol engine option fornew Galaxy in Ireland willbe Ford’s new fuel-efficient160 PS 1.5-litre EcoBoost. In Ireland, new Galaxy willbe available in two series:Zetec and Titanium. Standard specification onGalaxy Zetec includes: 17”alloys; heated windshield;solar tinted glass; power-side mirrors with signal; daytime running lamps; bodycolour bumper and doorhandles; front and rearparking sensors; and leather-wrappedsteering-wheel and gear lever.Galaxy Titanium adds: intelligent speedlimiter; lane-keeping aid (with driver

impairment monitoring); rain-sensing autowipers; automatic headlamps with autohigh beam; and roof rack side rails.Prices for Galaxy Zetec start at €38,760while the high spec Titanium 2.0 TDCi 150PS version starts at €47,010.

There are some options toconsider included the morepowerful 180 PS engineoption. If the Galaxy is likelyto be full of people or thingsand travelling over hill anddale, then the bigger outputengine wil l be moreeconomical and nicer to use.The twin length panoramicroof, at €1,275, is €200more than the front cameraand coll is ion avoidancesystem. This latter system isa potential life saver as itinstantly alerts the driver ifhe or she is closing tooquickly on the car in front.

Overall Galaxy is a superb, high techmachine that does so many things so wellfor a big and busy modern business orfamily.

GALAXY Luxurious Seven-Seater

The DS 3 won Diesel Car magazine’s Used Car of the Year Award 2016. The panel of judgescited both the model’s style and performance as major factors in the decision. Talking about theaward, Diesel Car magazine’s Editor and Publisher, Ian Robertson, commented; "Its stylish looksand entertaining handling make it a thoroughly desirable little hatchback. It’s our best used car of2016." Similar thinking was behind the car’s victory in the Small Car category. “It’s got the looks, thehandling and it’s cheap to run, while the DS 3’s fresh face stands out from the used car crowd,”said Robertson. DS 3 has been turning heads ever since its launch in 2010. The stylish Parisian supermini has simi-larly proved a popular choice with new car awards judges thanks to its strength of personality,unique styling and range of personalisation options. Now it’s winning used car awards too. Martin Gurney, Peugeot Citroën Automobiles UK’s Director of Fleet & Used Vehicles, said;“We’re absolutely delighted to have won this award, this is testament not only to the manytechnical and visual qualities of DS 3, but also to its appeal in the longer term. It is of theutmost importance to the DS brand to offer cars that don’t just grab your attention whenthey’re launched, they have to remain avant-garde, practical and relevant throughout theirlifespan, so this award means a lot to us.”Examples of every car sold in the UK were carefully examined by the Diesel Car judges, withwinners announced in eight sub-categories. The judges assessed each car for all-round ability,value for money, fitness for purpose, as well as affordability. But there could only be onewinner, so the expert panel crowned DS 3 as the overall best used car buy for 2016.

COMMERCIALMOTOR TAX:WATCH OUT

DS 3 WINS DIESEL USED CAROF THE YEAR AWARD 2016

Remember that when taxing a vehicle as a light goods or commercial vehicle, provision of anoriginal of one of the following documents is the only acceptable proof of self employment ora Company. The document cannot be over one year old.1. Evidence of Registration for VAT2. A Tax Clearance Certificate3. The “Notice of Tax Registration Form”.4. Notice of Assessment5. Self Assessment – letter from Revenue to confirm registration for Self-Assessed Income TaxHowever, agricultural contractors and farmers should be aware that some Local Authoritiesno longer accept a Herd Number as proof of self employment. This will cause some conster-nation when the time comes to renew your motor tax as the rate due will be considerablyhigher. We are also receiving reports from around the country of a clamp down on the useon the use of commercially taxed vehicles for leisure/domestic purposes. Tough as it is, weneed to remember that when we opt for the lower rate of commercial motor tax it precludesus from driving these vehicles for anything other than commercial use.


According to a Eurobarometersurvey, most Europeansconsider the role of theCommon Agricultural Policy(CAP) very or fairly importantfor stimulating jobs andgrowth and securing foodsupply.Commenting on this publica-tion, EU Commissioner forAgriculture and RuralDevelopment, Phil Hogan,said: "I welcome the growingimportance that citizens areputting on agriculture andrural areas, and appreciatethat 70 percent of Europeansbelieve that the EU is fulfillingits role in securing theEuropean food supply. I alsowelcome the indications thatEU citizens understand how theCAP is contributing to invest-ment, growth and jobs. Thesewill feed into our deliberationswhen determining EU policyfor the future."On funding levels, the poll

shows that support for EU farmfunding through the CAPvaries between Member States.In Ireland, 52 per cent ofpeople thought CAP fundingwas at about the right level,while in Latvia 66 per centthought it was too low and inthe Netherlands,Denmark andSweden, about athird of peoplethought it was toohigh.Looking atfunding over thenext 10 years,most Europeans (74percent) want to seelevels maintained or increased.This is even stronger in Irelandwhere 81 percent of respon-dents want to see CAP fundingmaintained or increased. Thesurvey also shows strongsupport for so-called'greening', whereby farmersget payments for crop diversi-

fication and maintainingpermanent grassland (87percent support across the EU,88 percent in Ireland).Respondents across Europeagree that the CAP contributesto improving trade relationsbetween the EU and the rest of

the world (66 percentagree) and to the

smooth runningof the EU singlemarket (65percent agree).The aim of thisS p e c i a l

EurobarometerSurvey was to

understand the rela-tionship between Europeansand agriculture, by exploringthe level of importance theyattach to agriculture, under-standing their view of the roleof the farmer and what theybelieve are the main objectivesof the EU with regards to agri-culture.

Broad supportfor CAP in EU

Dog Microchipping And RegistrationRegulations made under the Animal Health &Welfare Act 2013 introduced a requirementfor dogs to be microchipped and registered.It should be noted that microchipping andregistration does not replace the need for adog licence.This legislation requires all pups born since1st June 2015 to be microchipped and regis-tered within twelve weeks of being born orearlier if they leave the place where they wereborn before twelve weeks old. From March31st 2016, all dogs over twelve weeks oldmust be microchipped and most importantlyregistered on an approved database. This isa two step integrated process and havingyour dog microchipped alone does not meanyou are compliant; you must also registeryour dog and keep your contact details up todate.The microchipping scheme is a simple way ofreuniting owners with lost or stolen pets. It willrelieve the pressure on animal charities anddog pounds by significantly reducing theamount of time they need to house dogswhile the owner is located. It will also protectthe welfare of dogs by promoting responsibledog ownership. It can also be used to locateowners where a dog has been involved inworrying livestock or other unacceptable

behaviours. Microchipping is far more effec-tive and permanent than dog collars ortattoos, which can fade or be altered and aremore painful for the dogs.An Garda Siochana, Local Authorities andthe Department of Agriculture Food and the

Marine will be responsible for enforcing thislaw. Vets will also be asked to remind ownersof their responsibility to microchip their dogs.The main focus will be on newborn pups andencouraging compliance, however owners of

dogs found without a chip afterApril 2016 will have a shortperiod of grace to comply withrequirements. Those whorefuse to microchip andregister their dogs could face afine of up to £5,000 peranimal.

March is National Microchipping Monthand many veterinary practices throughoutIreland are offering free microchipping.A list of participating surgeries can befound on the Dogs Trust Websitewww.dogstrust.ie The ISPCA is also offering free microchip-ping on a first come first served basis toOAPs and anyone in receipt of certainsocial welfare benefits. For further infor-mation call the ISPCA on 043 3325035

Microchipping of Dogs RegulationsAuthorised Databases

Animark .............................www.animark.ieFido....................................www.fido.ieIrish Coursing Club .............www.irishcoursingclub.ieIrish Kennel Club.................www.ikc.ie

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Your work as an agricultural contractor is demanding. You want to be confident thatthe very real issues affecting your business are being brought to the attention of keyinfluencers and stakeholders. However to be taken seriously you need to ensure that you are realistic and pick your battles care-fully. There is a professional protocol that should be followed when dealing with National andEuropean government officials, financial institutions and other officials, state bodies and agencies.Table thumping does not work and diminishes your credibility and the ability to achieve your objec-tives. Your representatives must be credible and without vested-interests.We are moving into an era where reports confirm that the future of farming will rely heavily on agri-cultural contractors to provide mechanical and land management services to an increasinglyspecialised farming sector. To fulfil this potential the agricultural contracting sector will need to up itsgame in order to reap the rewards. PAC will be there to support you in every way, just as it hasdone successfully for many years.Are you a professional? Do you want to work hard at improving your business? Do you want to berepresented by Professionals? Then it’s time for you to Back PAC !!Contact the Office on 090 6437518 or go to the PAC Website on www.pacireland.com tosubscribe.

SHARE YOUR VOICE AND OPINIONS AND DIRECT THE POLCY THAT WILL LEAD TO SUCCESS

PAC IRELAND• Policy decided by agricultural contractors - Carried out by a Professional Administration.• Standing firm for the interests of agricultural contractors • PAC Officials are respected in the corridors of power• Highly regarded by financial institutions• Representing contractors on committees, working parties, government agencies and NGO’s.• Responding to calls for public and specialist consultation.• Monitoring National and European Legislation• Discussion Groups/Meetings/Conferences• Regular communication via PAC NEWS and Website• Confidential, unbiased and impartial advice on

business related matters

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Martin O’Halloran, (CE HSA), Tom Murphy (PAC). Minister Ged Nash, Prof. Jim Phelan (ChairFSPAC), Pat Griffin (Senior Agri Inspector, HSA)

Launch of HSA StrategyStatement Tom Murphy attended the official launch of the Health and Safety Authority StrategyStatement along with leaders of industry from all sectors. The Strategy was launched byGed Nash TD, Minister for Business and Employment. Launching the strategy, Minister Nash said, “Every worker in the country is entitled to a safeand healthy place of work and to return home to their families safe and well. We’re now ina phase of strong economic growth, businesses are rapidly expanding and new jobs arebeing created on a daily basis. It’s vital that we continue to prioritise the safety and healthof all workers in a way that promotes business growth, aids competitiveness and protectsworkers. A safe and healthy workforce is an essential component of any successful enter-prise.

Safety Open Day at the Farm and ContractingBusiness of 2015 Zurich Farm Safety AwardWinner and PAC Contractor Thomas Moloney

Tuesday 12th April 11-1.00pmVenue: Clogheen, Co. Tipperary(About 1mile from village on Dungarvan Road). Proposed running order for Event (20 minutes per stand).Stand 1: Safety Management Thomas Moloney + DonalMullane to Introduce. Stand 2: Workshop Safety/ Chainsaws: Billy Gleeson +Tom RyanStand 3: Livestock Handling/ TAMS /Slurry Safety HSAInspector/John Murphy/Marcella Phelan, Teagasc.Stand 4: ESB – Electrical Safety/ Lighting – ESB Personnel. Stand 5: Tractors and Trailers on the Road/FarmSecurity (RSA/ Gardaí) Stand 6: Tractor and Machinery Safety – JohnMcNamara + Stuart Goodwin

HSA and ESB Strategic Alliance A new strategic alliance has been agreed between Healthand Safety Authority (HSA) and the ESB. It will advance bestsafety and health practices in relation to all aspects of elec-tricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply.

Workers’ Memorial DayThursday April 28th is an important date nationally andinternationally when we remember people killed or injuredin work-related accidents. Together with other nationalrepresentative bodies we are asking you to mark Thursday28th April in your diary and to support this important dayin whatever way you can.

PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE- KEYNOTE ADDRESSAgricultural Contractors from allover Ireland gathered at TeagascAgricultural College, Kildalton tohear Professor Gerry Boyle,(Director, Teagasc) give thekeynote address at our conference“Prepare for the Future”. ProfessorBoyle stated that MachineryContractors provide an invaluableservice to Irish Agriculture andhave over the years played amajor role in its development; hecontinued that “the supply ofcomplex and expensive machineryand highly skilled operatives tocomplete farming operations effi-ciently and effectively has undoubtedly been one of the key enablersfor modernisation of Irish Agriculture”. He went on to say thatmodern contracting presented an option to be considered byfarmers for an increasingly wide range of mechanisation tasks andthat Teagasc would be of maximum support to contractors.Professor Boyle expressed the hope that the conference would act asa catalyst for exploring areas where Teagasc and agriculturalcontractors can work together. He closed his address by empha-sising that Teagasc can provide both Business Management andTechnical supports to contractors and was happy to see thisreflected strongly in the conference programme.

Professor Gerry Boyle(Director, Teagasc)


We had a flurry of calls to the PAC officefollowing the introduction of the RevisedStandards on 1st January. A copy of the RSA‘Revised Standards for Agricultural Vehicles’booklet information can be ordered online atwww.rsa.ie . There is also a series of videos avail-able to watch on the RSA YouTube Channel,which you can access via the PAC website onwww.pacireland.comHere are some of the most frequent queries andthe answers supplied by the Road SafetyAuthority.

My trailer was manufactured previous to 1January 2016 and is designed to bedrawn at speeds of up to 40Km/h. Doesthis trailer need to have a breakawaybrake? Agricultural trailers manufactured before 1January 2016 that are not designed to be drawnat a speed of more than 40km/h may be fittedwith a secondary coupling device (for example, achain or wire rope) instead of a breakawaybrake. Trailers already in use which are designedto be drawn at speeds over 40km/h, and whichdon’t already have a breakaway brake fitted mustget one fitted. All agricultural trailers, irrespectiveof their speed rating, manufactured on or after 1January 2016 must be fitted with a breakawaybrake.

I have a baler that has no brakes. Do theRevised Braking Requirements apply tothese types of towed vehicles? No. The revised standards only apply to suchequipment if it was fitted with brakes by the orig-inal manufacturer. However, if a braking systemhas been fitted, and provided the vehicle isdesigned to be drawn at speeds of up to 40km/h,the service brakes must be capable of generatingminimum brake efficiencies of 25% and theparking brake 16%. A breakaway brake or asecondary coupling must also be fitted. If abraking system has been fitted, and the vehicle isdesigned to be drawn at speeds over 40km/h, itmust have a service brake with an efficiency of atleast 45%; a breakaway brake with an efficiencyof at least 13.5% and a parking brake with anefficiency of at least 16%.

What are the requirements for lightingand visibility on agricultural tractors andother self-propelled agricultural equip-ment? These must be equipped with full lighting systemsat all times, and not just during lighting up hours.They must be fitted with a working flashing amberbeacon which must be lit when the vehicle is inuse in a public place both during daylight and atnight.

What are the revised lighting and visibilityrequirements for agricultural trailers andinterchangeable equipment? Agricultural trailers and interchangeable towedequipment must be equipped with side lamps,rear lamps, stop lamps, indicators and numberplate lighting. They must also be fitted with amarker lamp on their right hand side if, whencoupled to an agricultural tractor, the overalllength of the combination is more than 10metres. Agricultural trailers with a DGVW over 3,500kgmust also be fitted with reflective rear markings. If

these trailers form part of a combination of vehi-cles that is over 10 metres long, they must alsohave reflective side markings. A rear ‘LONGVEHICLE’ marking must be fitted to agriculturaltrailers forming part of a combination of vehiclesover 13 metres long. The reflective and‘LONG VEHICLE’ marking requirementsdo not apply to pieces of interchangeabletowed equipment that can carry morethan three times their own unladenweight. For example, slurry tankers,fertiliser or manure spreaders, grainchaser bins, etc.

If I use my tractor to draw a trailerfor a purpose other than agricul-ture what requirements must Iadhere to? The axle weight limitsfor trailers being drawnby an agriculturaltractor for a purposeoutside of agricultural,fisheries, forestry orhorticulture areoutlined in the Weightsand DimensionsLeaflet, a copy of whichis available on the RSAwebsite (www.rsa.ie).Also, the maximumimposed load that canbe put on an agricultural tractor’s coupling by atrailer’s drawbar must not be more than thetractor manufacturer’s specifications as detailedon the plate affixed to the coupling device.

My agricultural trailer is not fitted with anauthorisation plate showing a figure for itsmaximum permitted laden weight inIreland. However, it has a manufacturer’splate. My tractor is also plated. What arethe rules regarding the maximum ladenweight I can operate at? If your trailer is not fitted with an authorisationplate, you are limited to a laden weight of notmore than three times the unladen weight of thetractor being used to tow it. You are also subjectto the following restrictions: • 13 tonnes for a rigid drawbar single axle trailer,19 tonnes for a tandem axle or 22.5 tonnes or atriaxle; or • 16 tonnes for a drawbar or centre-axle trailer ifthe axles are less than three metres apart, or 18tonnes if the axles are more than 3.0 metresapart; or • 25 tonnes in the case of a drawbar or centre-axle trailer equipped with three axles; or • 30 tonnes for a drawbar or centre-axle trailerequipped with four axles.

What are the plating requirements foragricultural trailers? From 1 January 2016, trailers must be fitted withan authorisation plate (also referred to as anational weights and dimensions plate)containing information such as: manufacturer’sname, vehicle identification number (VIN),maximum design speed and permitted ladenweight, maximum drawbar loading, vehiclelength and width. It may also contain informationon design weights, if higher than the nationallimits permitted in Ireland. Retrofitting authorisation plates to agricultural

trailers manufactured before 1 January 2016 isnot required unless they are rigid drawbar trailerswhich have a design speed of over 40km/h orhave a Design Gross Vehicle Weight of over 19tonnes for tandems or 22.5 tonnes for triaxles.

What vehicle types do the new speedrating requirements apply to? The new speed rating requirements – that is,fitting and displaying a speed disc – apply to allnew agricultural tractors, self-propelled agricul-tural machinery, agricultural trailers and pieces of

interchangeable towed equipment from 1January 2016 irrespective of the design speed ofthe vehicle. Vehicles of these types manufacturedor first registered before 1 January 2016 will onlyneed to have a speed disc retrofitted if they aredesigned to be driven or drawn at speeds over40 km/h.

Who can fit these speed discs? Speed discs, if they’re needed, must only be fittedby the original vehicle manufacturer or an autho-rised distributor.

My tractor is designed to be driven at aspeed over 40km/h which I suspect isgreater than the design speed of thetrailer or piece of interchangeable towedequipment that I wish to draw with it.What rules apply here? You may draw such a trailer or another piece ofinterchangeable towed equipment with a tractorwhich is capable of speeds over 40km/h, but,when it is in use in a public place, you must notexceed the maximum design speed of the slowestvehicle in the combination. In other words, if atrailer or piece of interchangeable towed equip-ment does not have a speed disc fitted, the lawconsiders that the vehicle combination – nomatter what the design speed of the tractor is – is

not capable of speedsover 40km/h. This article is not intendedto be a detailed analysisof the law. It is based onthe assumption thatreaders are familiar withmany of the technicalterms used when referringto agricultural vehicles.This article does not, andis not intended to, providelegal advice or to repre-sent a legal interpretation

of the law. While we have made every effort toensure the accuracy of the information in theguide, the Authority, its servants and agentsassume no responsibility for and give no guar-antee about the accuracy, completeness or up-to-date nature of the information and do not acceptany liability for any errors or omissions.

Revised Standards forAgricultural Vehicles - FAQs

Image of a Trailer equipped with modern UN / ECE specification marker lamps.Image: Dooley Brothers Engineering Works

Launch Of Teagasc ConnectED

Pictured at the Launch of the Teagasc ConnectEd Programme were from (L to R): Rob Peters, EUCommission; Philip O’Connor, IFAC; Michael Tennyson, Agricultural Consultants Association;Mark Gibson, Teagasc; Prof Gerry Boyle, Teagasc; Tom Murphy, PAC Ireland and John Gilmore,FarmLab Diagnostics

PAC’s Tom Murphy was invited to be a member of the panel at the launch of TeagascConnectEd, which was attended by leading agricultural stakeholders including solicitorsand accountants along with European officials. Tom said that PAC welcomes this innov-ative programme, which has been developed to provide high quality knowledgeprogrammes for professionals and businesses that provide essential services and supportto farmers and the Irish agri-food sector.The ConnectEd programme fits well with the underlying philosophy of the EuropeanInnovation Partnership for agriculture to enhance interaction between science and prac-tice and to facilitate communication and networking among stakeholders.Businesses interested in finding out more about Teagasc ConnectEd can visit the newwebsite www.teagasc.ie/connected. The application process can be completed online.


PAC ConferencePREPARING FOR THE FUTURE

Ciaran Roche (FBD)

PAC Chairman, Michael Sheehan Rotech

Teagasc Kildalton College - Stuart Goodwin and Tom Ryan

Representitives from John Deere Conference visitors

James Maloney - Irish Farmers Journal Safe Attach

Tom Ryan (Teagasc) Vance Brothers (Donegal)

The Digi-View stand

HiSpec

Dromone

Tom Geraghty Tyres


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