Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has this week signed the Statutory Instrument commencing Section 5(a) of the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023, paving the way for Level 2 Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV) to operate on Irish roads.
The move allows vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems – where the driver remains fully responsible but can, in certain limited circumstances, remove their hands from the wheel – to be lawfully used in Ireland.
Minister Canney said: “This is an important step forward. The technology is already type-approved for use across Europe and is present in many modern vehicles. What we are doing today is ensuring our legislation keeps pace – safely, carefully and responsibly.
Crucially, the driver remains in control at all times. Road safety is paramount, and the independent safety assessments confirm that Level 2 systems can be deployed safely on Irish roads.”
Two detailed safety reviews were completed – one examining vehicle standards and regulatory frameworks, and another assessing road traffic and parking legislation. Both confirmed that Level 2 and Level 2+ systems can operate within Ireland’s existing road network and legal framework without requiring further amendments. Responsibility remains with the driver.
The commencement builds on earlier regulatory updates signed in 2025 to modernise vehicle type-approval rules. Revenue systems and the National Vehicle and Driver File are also being updated so that automated vehicles are appropriately recorded and identifiable for enforcement purposes. Driver awareness measures will also support the rollout of this technology.
Minister Canney said the development is also significant from an economic and regional perspective. “Ireland has a strong footprint in automotive innovation. In my own constituency, Valeo in Tuam is a global leader in advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicle technology, employing hundreds of highly skilled people.”
The Minister recently undertook a study visit to Hamburg and Berlin to examine best practice in intelligent transport systems and autonomous mobility deployment.
“In Germany, I saw first-hand how cities are integrating connected and autonomous technologies into transport planning. The direction of travel is clear – automation will increasingly form part of safer, smarter transport systems. Ireland must be ready, while always putting safety first.”
Minister Canney confirmed that work will now continue to prepare for the next stages of automation, including Level 3 technologies, which are beginning to receive European type approval.
“Technology will continue to evolve. Our job is to ensure that when it does, Ireland is prepared – legislatively, technologically and from a road safety perspective.”
