Hauliers whose Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) applications were refused, or who did not receive support for all vehicles included in their applications, can now lodge an appeal through the scheme’s online portal.

The Department of Transport has confirmed that the deadline for appeals is noon on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. All appeals must include supporting evidence.

The announcement gives operators seeking a review of their original application a clear deadline to prepare and submit their case.

Who can appeal?

According to the Department, appeals can be submitted by applicants whose applications were refused or who did not receive support for one or more vehicles included in their original application.

Only applicants with a valid RTSS Application ID can use the appeals process.

Operators who received payment for every vehicle included in their original application have no grounds for appeal and should not complete the appeals portal.

The Department stresses that submitting an appeal does not guarantee a successful outcome. Each case will be assessed on its own merits, in accordance with the appeals eligibility criteria and the scheme’s terms and conditions.

Supporting evidence is essential

The Department will not consider an appeal submitted without supporting evidence.

Operators intending to appeal should review the detailed appeals guidance on the Department’s Road Transporters Support Scheme webpage and prepare the evidence supporting their case before making a submission.

For hauliers challenging a refusal or the exclusion of particular vehicles, the immediate priority is to establish the grounds for their appeal and ensure the relevant supporting material is submitted before the deadline.

Budget 2027 extension is separate

The Department has also clarified that operators do not need to submit an appeal to receive the scheme extension announced in Budget 2027.

It says it will contact applicants directly when their additional payment has been processed.

This distinction is particularly relevant to operators who received their full original payment and are awaiting support under the extension. The appeals portal is intended for challenges to decisions on original applications; no submission through it is required to access the Budget extension.

Appeals can be submitted through the RTSS appeals portal. Operators seeking a review must ensure their appeal, together with supporting evidence, is lodged by noon on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.