REPORT

IRHA holds 49th AGM & Conference in Killarney

Pictured is Hildegarde Naughton TD., Minister of State at the Department of Transport with Eugene Drennan, President, Irish Road Haulage Association.

The 49th Annual General Meeting & Conference of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) was held at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney. Eugene Drennan, President of the IRHA welcomed two Government Ministers to the event. On the Saturday, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton TD., Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for International and Road Transport & Logistics officially opened the Conference, while later that evening Jack Chambers, Government Chief Whip & Minister for Sport and the Gaeltacht was guest speaker at the Gala dinner.

In Minister Naughton’s address, she recognised how difficult the last number of years have been for everyone working in the haulage and logistics sectors, with challenges caused by Brexit, Covid 19 and now the war in Ukraine. The Minister acknowledged that she is acutely aware that costs and enforcement are a concern for the industry. Minister Naughton went on to reassure those present that her Department and the wider Government will continue to listen to the concerns of the industry, respond to them to the best of their ability and that the door is always open. She committed to holding a meeting with herself and Transport Minister Ryan in the next two weeks in the run up to the Budget. Minister Chambers also acknowledged the positive and constructive approach that has been taken with regard to decarbonisation within the sector. He confirmed that next year Government will provide over €4.5billion in expenditure for temporary measures. Funding will continue for key

Covid supports, together with aid to help counter the negative impact of Brexit through the Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund and key humanitarian supports for those arriving from Ukraine. Minister Chambers mentioned that earlier action has been requested by industry representative and talks are ongoing regarding Budget 2023. He added that the Government recognises the essential role played by the road haulage industry and took the opportunity to thank all operators for their hard work, professionalism, and dedication which helps this country moving through good times and bad. In his address to delegates, IRHA President, Eugene Drennan said: “For a sector that played such a pivotal and essential role in responding to the pandemic, it is fitting that we have this opportunity to reflect on past challenges, Pictured (l-r) Jack Chambers, Government Chief Whip & Minister for Sport and the Gaeltacht; Eugene Drennan, President, Irish Road Haulage Association and Seán Kelly, and to look at how we face into the significant hurdles we must meet in MEP Southern Region. coming years”.

Hildegarde Naughton TD

Taking on board the Taoiseach’s request that sectors try to achieve our carbon target, he asked the Government to accept the environmental merits of Euro 6 engine emissions technology and essential requirement of diesel and be conscious of Ireland’s island status.

Eugene asked the Government to reflect on the statement made by the Transport Committee Cathaoirleach, Kieran O’Donnell T.D., when he referred to the definitions of heavy-duty “clean vehicles” which are based on the vehicle’s fuel technology, The stated ‘clean fuels’ listed included battery electric technologies (including plug-in hybrids), natural gas (both CNG & LNG, including biomethane), liquid biofuels and synthetic fuels. Eugene’s question was why Euro 6E diesel engines were not included?

Eugene outlined four main points that are affecting the road transport sector: n Budget ‘23 - come with us on the journey to make our sector greener. We have made several recommendations to do this, but we need help and support to make it happen. n Our Island status - we need the Government’s help and support as Ireland is dependent on its own indigenous transport fleet. Many operators must use ferries to get our goods to market. Diesel must remain as a primary energy source for trucks for our transport fleet to function while we take a small steps approach to any transition to newer fuel types. n Brexit - The international transport sector has been hit hard by Brexit, so the IRHA in attempting to mitigate this, has highlighted how the EU Brexit Adjustment Fund could be used by the State to reimburse Irish hauliers for their additional costs incurred due to Brexit. We are also seeking that if there are changes made for the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland in the context of any alterations to the Northern Ireland Protocol, the same rule changes should be made to cover the movement of goods to the Republic of Ireland. n Fuel Storage - We also ask that you abolish the 2 cent

NORA taxation to store the fuels for the HGV Sector. As essential users we are the sector which will need it should there be a shortage. We understand there is €300m on the NORA balance sheet and there is more than enough collected from the general public without the essential user paying for it. Eugene concluded by stating to both Ministers that individual operators have earned the right to earn a fair living and not to be treated as the part of the supply chain that is often squeezed. Although the voice of the late Jerry Kiersey was not heard at the gathering, his influence was felt everywhere. A special edition of “Knights of the Road” Eugene Drennan, President, Irish Road Haulage Association was published at the event in his honour, which was appropriate, as he was one of its first editors. At the Gala Minister Jack Chambers addressing the audience dinner, management team member, Paul Jackman paid a fitting and at times emotional tribute to Jerry, chronicling his life and career, both inside and outside of the business. Jerry truly was one of the greats and his influence will be felt within the IRHA for many years to come. Next year the IRHA will mark its 50th anniversary, and returns to the Gleneagle for the Silver jubilee celebrations. Text: Sean Murtagh – sean@fleet.ie Photos: Paul Sherwood