Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has concluded a study visit to Germany this week focused on the development, regulation and safe deployment of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies. The Minister led an Irish delegation made up of Department of Transport officials and stakeholders from across the board.

The visit included a series of high-level engagements in Hamburg and Berlin, providing an opportunity to examine how emerging transport technologies are being integrated into ports, public transport and urban mobility systems, while maintaining a strong focus on road safety, regulation and public confidence.

While in Hamburg, the Minister met with Dr Anjes Tjarks, Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition for Hamburg, for discussions on a variety of topics around the role of autonomous systems in modern mobility networks and road safety. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange views on shared challenges and approaches to supporting innovation in a safe and well-regulated manner.

The Minister also visited the HHLA Container Terminal at the Port of Hamburg, where he observed autonomous cranes and automated port operations in live use. Three of the autonomous cranes in operation were manufactured by Liebherr in Killarney, highlighting a strong Irish industrial contribution to advanced port infrastructure and global supply chains.

Later in Hamburg, the Minister visited MOIA, where he received a detailed briefing and demonstration of their work in shared and autonomous mobility services, including ongoing trials and the potential role of autonomous vehicles in future public and demand-responsive transport systems.

In Berlin, Minister Canney met with Patrick Schneider, Federal Minister for Transport, for what the Minister described as a constructive and productive engagement. The meeting focused on common transport issues facing Ireland and Germany, including regulation, innovation, safety standards and the need for simpler and more coordinated regulatory approaches at European level. The discussion also explored opportunities for closer cooperation as Ireland prepares to assume the EU Presidency later this year.

As part of the Berlin programme, the Minister visited the DEKRA Technology Centre and Lausitzring proving ground, where he saw first-hand how advanced driver assistance systems and automated driving functions are tested under real-world conditions to ensure they meet rigorous safety standards before entering everyday use.

He also expressed his sincere thanks to Maeve Collins, Ireland’s Ambassador to Germany, and her team for their hospitality and support throughout the visit.

Speaking following the visit, Minister Canney said:

“This study visit provided a valuable opportunity to see how connected and autonomous vehicle technologies are being developed, tested and regulated in practice. Road safety must remain central as these technologies evolve, and it was particularly beneficial to engage with international partners who are working through similar regulatory and operational challenges. The insights gained during this visit will be important as Ireland continues to shape its approach to future mobility and prepares for its EU Presidency later this year. I am looking forward to leading out on the Transport portfolio for the Presidency.”