Stricter rules on tractor driver licences would restrict the weight and speed of vehicles driven by younger operators.
The changes are currently being considered by the European Commission.
Under the proposed changes, a two-tier system would operate, replacing the current tractor driver licence in Ireland that allows 16-year-olds to drive powerful farm machinery on a provisional learner permit.
The proposal has been submitted by Ceettar (The European Organisation of Agricultural, Rural and Forestry Contractors) and is supported by the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors (FCI) in Ireland.
Provisional data from the Road Safety Authority showed that between 2018 and 2021, there were 268 injury collisions involving agricultural tractors on Irish roads — almost a third (32pc) of the drivers of these agricultural tractors were aged 25 years or younger.
There have also been renewed warnings from An Garda Síochána over farmers and contractors using mobile phones while driving this silage season. Statistics show those engaged in such activity “are four times more likely to crash”.
FCI CEO Michael Moroney outlined how the mooted changes, yet to be discussed with the country’s farm organisations, would “raise the standard” of agricultural drivers in Ireland.
Read the full report on www.independent.ie