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Hildegarde Naughton TD, the Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport and Logistics, has extended an open invitation to all involved in road transport, supply chain and freight movements in general, to put forward their submissions on the recently launched public consultation on a Ten-Year Strategy for the Haulage Sector. The Department of Transport’s two-phase public consultation is to seek views towards the development of a strategy for the haulage sector in line with the Programme for Government commitment to publish and implement a 10-year strategy for the sector, focused on improving efficiencies, standards, and helping the sector move to a low-carbon future.

Submissions sought on Ireland’s Ten-Year Public Consultation Strategy for the Road Transport Sector

Commenting on the initiative and planned programme, Minister Naughton said: “The haulage sector plays a vitally important socio-economic role. This has been demonstrated more than ever during the current Covid-19 crisis, throughout which road hauliers have continued to keep supply chains open both nationally and internationally. The Government’s aim is to develop a strategy that will help the sector raise standards and improve efficiency over the coming decade. Decarbonising the haulage sector poses a particular challenge and the sector has an important role to play as we move towards a low-carbon future. There are a wide range of stakeholders with an interest in the sector and I would encourage all to contribute to the public consultation.”

In an interview with Fleet Transport, Minister Naughton added: “We wish to hear from those involved in the movements of goods in general to submit their concerns, ideas, issues relating to the industry and also we would like to hear about future developments that will help decarbonise the sector’s carbon footprint.” “There are many challenges currently and ahead, apart from the ongoing Covid-19 and Brexit issues, such as labour and skills shortage, EU legislation, road safety, infrastructure, decarbonisation etc., and we wish to hear about these matters and more, like what is working, what is not and what will not work within the industry at present and into the future. Any concerns, ideas or projections relating to the industry would be welcome and also to hear about future developments that will help decarbonise the sector’s carbon footprint.”

Within the consultation document, which covers the areas of environment, roads, intermodal transport, air freight and shipping, a series of topical and relevant questions are included as a guide for interested parties participating in the consultation process.

“We encourage road hauliers, own account transport operators and HGV drivers, as well as those working in the wider logistics and supply chain sectors including in further education and academia, as well as members of the public, to contribute to this public consultation and provide ideas and feedback. Participants are also asked to raise any additional issues, which they believe may assist in developing the appropriate policy for this vital sector.”

To make a submission, please email responses to haulagestrategy@transport. gov.ie or send by post to Road Transport Freight Policy Division, Department of Transport, Leeson Lane, Dublin, D02 TR60.

This first-stage public consultation will conclude on 2 July 2021.