Fuel supports, transport regulation, decarbonisation and the future of Ireland’s supply chain are set to be the focus of the second day of the Irish Road Haulage Association’s (IRHA) annual conference.
Thousands of hauliers and transport operators from across the country are in Killarney, Co Kerry for the event.
The IRHA has said its conference this year comes as the sector grapples with rising fuel costs, increasing regulatory pressures and growing concerns over the future competitiveness of Irish haulage.
The conference will bring together senior Government figures, policymakers and industry leaders for what is expected to be a significant discussion on the future direction of the transport sector.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien will address delegates at the conference gala dinner this evening alongside Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney.
Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae opened the conference at the Gleneagle Hotel yesterday evening while MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú will speak at the conference this afternoon.
Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan and MEP Seán Kelly will also attend the conference.
The organisers have said that outside the hotel, a major display of vintage trucks will celebrate Ireland’s rich haulage heritage, while manufacturers and suppliers will showcase the latest heavy goods vehicles, trailers and transport technology.
They have said that this will create one of the country’s largest displays of commercial vehicles for public viewing.
IRHA President Ger Hyland said this year’s conference comes at a “watershed moment” for the transport industry.
He said: “The attendance of both ministers with responsibility for transport underlines the importance of the issues facing our industry.
“Hauliers are once again dealing with rising fuel prices at a time when operating costs remain exceptionally high. We believe now is not the time to withdraw fuel supports, and that message will be delivered directly to Government during our conference.”
Mr Hyland cautioned that any plans to unwind fuel supports risk placing “unsustainable pressures on hauliers already facing escalating costs”.
He said: “Any decision to wind down fuel supports at this time would drive inflation and have a severe impact on households and families across the country who would see higher food, and transport costs – driving the cost of living crisis to unsustainable levels.
“Adding 30 cents back onto a litre of fuel will mean that many haulage businesses simply will not make it to Christmas,” Mr Hyland added.
The IRHA president also appealed to the Government to listen to the transport sector and delay any unwinding of the supports until a more stable peace is achieved in the Middle East.