Plans for the introduction of an NCT like tractor test have been abandoned by government in the face of strong opposition by farmers.

The original testing regime, due to be brought into law later this month and operational before next May, would have seen mandatory testing introduced for all tractors rated to travel in excess of 40km/h, operating outside a 25km radius of their base.

The backing down by Minister Shane Ross was confirmed at a meeting yesterday between the Department of Transport, the IFA and other stakeholders.

It has now been agreed that there will be full negotiation with key stakeholders ahead of the implementation of any NCT test for tractors.

Earlier this year, Minister Shane Ross gave a commitment that, ahead of the drafting of any national regulations on tractor testing, the RSA would engage with key stakeholders affected. This did not happen and Minister Ross proceeded to sign the relevant Statutory Instrument into law last month without any consultation.

IFA National President Joe Healy told Midwest News  today that the Minister accepted that this commitment had not been honoured and assured the delegation that full consultation would now take place on all aspects of the relevant Statutory Instrument.