Irish Trucker magazine 2012 by Lynn Group Media

IRISH

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NOVEMBER 2012 Vol. 15 No. 10 EURO 2.95 stg.£2.50

ALL INSURANCE QUOTED

• Motor Fleet For Hauliers • Worldwide Transit Risks • Single Vehicle Haulage • Carriers Liability • Warehouse Risks • Employers Liability • Public Liability

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www.irishtrucker.com CONTENTS Irish Trucker is published by DG Press Kells Business Park, Kells, Co. Meath Telephone: (046) 9241923 Fax: (046) 9241926

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be published or reproduced in any way without the written permission of the author or Lynn Group Media © Copyright Lynn Group Media 2012 The opinions expressed in Irish Trucker do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers, their agents or Irish Trucker. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication is correct, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors that may appear.

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INDUSTRY NEWS CRONINS COACHES One of Ireland’s premier coach touring service providers FINGAL TRANSPORT SERVICES Top class, reliable value for money service GRS RECOVERY 24 hour breakdown & recovery service LEE GARAGE CORK LTD 80th anniversary of the founding of the company HOLDEN PLANT RENTALS Ireland’s largest specialist equipment rental company DA MILLER & SONS (TRANSPORT) LTD One of the leading recyclable waste transporters ROBINSONS OF HILLSBOROUGH Family run business MCQUILLAN COMPANIES Irish Trucker speaks with Contracts Manager Ronan McQuillan MIKE HYNAN COACHES Offering a wide range of services JOE BRADY CONTRACTORS LTD Specialists in a wide range of agricultural services RECOVERY 24 Vast experience in the vehicle recovery industry TRUCKMART LTD One of the country’s leading truck & trailer component supplies CMP ROAD PLANING Ireland’s leading road planing and sweeping company L2L LOGISTICS Providing top class distribution and logistics services M&T PLANT HIRE LTD Leading specialists in septic tank emptying in the South East W.S DENNISON LTD Ireland’s No 1 furniture distribution specialist FLAVIN BUS & CAR HIRE Celebrating their 21st anniversary LIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL Progressive and effective local authority PCD TRANSPORT LTD Professional service provider MICHAEL DAFFY QUALITY CAR SALES Celebrating 10 years in business CLASSIFIEDS

Fingal Transport Services P28

Lee Garage P34

Joe Brady Contractors P58

CMP Road Planing P68

W.S Dennison P78

New Mercedes-Benz Actros more economical than predecessor Since its arrival on to the Irish market, local tests have proven the new MercedesBenz Actros truck to be more economical on fuel than the model it replaces and significantly more economical than predicted. Prior to launch, the much publicized target for the new Actros was a 6% saving over its predecessor. Over the past six months, the Irish dealer demonstration fleet has driven in excess of 250,00kms in real life conditions in the hands of Irish operators. The net result has been that the target of 6% fuel economy has not only been reached but has been substantially exceeded. Commenting, Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles sales manager Fergus Conheady New Mercedessaid ‘this is an excellent result, especially Benz Actros when one remembers that the tests were conducted on similar routes with similar load profiles and the fact that the previous Actros held an official record for fuel economy.’

Court blames EC over shipping row The General Court of the European Union has revoked an EC decision in July 2008 to approve public aid totalling more than €281 million to French ferry company Société Nationale Corse-Méditerranée (SNCM) in 2002 and 2006. SNCM, which was privatised in 2005, operates freight and passenger ferry services between Marseille and Corsica, Sardinia, Tunisia and Algeria. Earlier this year, the Marseille-based operator warned that it could be forced to withdraw ships and shed half of its 1,600 workforce amid shrinking business and the threat of having to pay back the public aid. The court found that the EC had committed “a manifest error of assessment” by approving the recapitalisation of SNCM as “a measure which did not constitute state aid". The judgment upholds the complaint lodged by SNCM’s main rival, Corsica Ferries, which argued that the funding amounted to state subsidies and contravened fair competition. "At this stage, there is no direct financial impact on SNCM. The court has ordered the commission to carry out a re-examination without prejudging its outcome. In any case, SNCM intends to appeal the verdict,” SNCM said in a statement. The Transport Ministry said the French state, retains a 25% stake in SNCM, was also considering an appeal and would examine the consequences of the court’s decision with majority shareholder Veolia Transdev. Meanwhile, SNCM is also the subject of an in-depth investigation by the EC Competition Regulator. This focuses on the amount of aid the company has received in carrying out a public service contract, running from 2007 and 2013, for ferry services between Marseille and Corsica, and which could also infringe EU competition regulations.

Wincanton win toy contract Smyths Toys Superstores, who has branches in Ireland has awarded Wincanton a one year transport contract to handle deliveries to stores. Wincanton will manage the distribution from Smyths’ warehouse in Newcastle-under-Lyme, transporting up to 250 store deliveries a week – of anything from toys to bikes – to its stores across mainland UK. Tom Stratford, Commercial Director at Smyths Toys Superstores, said: “When we began to look for a logistics partner we had a clear vision that we needed a provider with the scale and flexibility to meet our busy peak periods, such as the run-up to Christmas, to achieve maximum sales potential.” Wincanton will operate the contract via its northern regional transport centre network, using its shared-user fleet of vehicles. “This allows us to meet the customer’s quiet and busy periods while maximising utilisation of fleet assets at the same time,” said Steve Taylor, Wincanton’s director responsible for transport. “After all one customer’s peak is another’s quiet period.”

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All-New Ford Transit Custom Reveals its Design and Safety Secrets on First Drive New Transit Custom Available in Ireland from November The new Ford Transit Custom which was launched at a drive event in Munich this week, is the latest in a long line of market-leading Transits which have sold approaching 7 million units since the first model was introduced in 1965. Designed to be the most stylish and safe Transit ever, the all-new Transit Custom has a bold new look and is packed with the latest safety technologies, as part of its mission to appeal to a broader range of customers, including skilled tradesmen and small businesses. While it provides a more car-like interior and driving experience, the new model has lost none of Transit’s legendary toughness, combining Interior of the all class-leading load-carrying ability, impressive durability and attractive new Ford Transit cost-of-ownership – with best-in-class fuel economy. Custom Along with its Tourneo Custom sister model, an attractive people mover aimed at private buyers and commercial users, the Transit Custom will be sold in more than 90 markets worldwide, with the vehicle arriving in Ireland in early November 2012. “Ford Transit has rightly been dubbed the backbone of Irish business as it has been a favourite for businesses, large and small, in Ireland since the first Transit arrived nearly 50 years ago”, said Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. “The Transit has carved out a niche as Ireland’s most popular commercial vehicle and I am sure that the new Transit Custom will continue that tradition. With its new design and a host of advanced features, this is a stylish, modern van which customers will be proud to have on their driveway, while losing none of the hard-working attitude that they expect from a Transit.” Bold new appearance, strong driver appeal The all-new Transit Custom features a bold new exterior which embodies the same dynamic character as Ford’s latest passenger cars. The new model offers class-leading load carrying ability, including a number of innovative new loadspace features, such as a unique integrated roof rack system and an ingenious load-through hatch in the bulkhead for extra-long items. In the cab, there is a modern, driver-focused cockpit which features a sculpted instrument panel that combines stylish looks with smart stowage solutions for bottles, phones and papers. Once behind the wheel, the driver can call upon a wide range of driver assistance technologies shared with Ford’s latest passenger cars, including the Ford SYNC voice-activated, in-car connectivity system with the award-winning Emergency Assistance feature, Lane Keeping Alert, Driver Alert, Auto High Beam, and a rear-view camera system. The strong driver appeal of the Transit Custom is reinforced by dynamics and performance which have been carefully tuned to reflect the same natural and easy-to-drive character which customers appreciate on Ford’s car range, together with much reduced noise levels. Built tough for maximum occupant protection, and extreme durability Designed to be the safest Transit ever, the Transit Custom features an optimised body structure to maximise occupant protection that features ultra-high-strength Boron steel for the first time on a Transit. An enhanced restraint system now makes curtain airbags available for the front seat occupants, and the Transit Custom is the first vehicle in its class developed with the latest Euro NCAP Protocol for pedestrian protection in mind. Low running costs start with the class-leading fuel economy, delivered by Ford’s latest 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine (100, 125 and 155PS), with combined fuel consumption of 6.6 l / 100 km (42.8 mpg) and 174 g/km CO2 emissions – a reduction of up to 8 percent on the equivalent current Transit. All-new Transit Custom has been subjected to Ford’s ultra-stringent Commercial Vehicle testing and durability standards. Even before the vehicle goes on sale, it will have been driven the equivalent of five million km (three million miles), including at least 400,000 km (250,000 miles) with Transit customers. Key components and systems are tested to the limit: for example, front doors go through an intensive regime of 250,000 non-stop slam cycles, which is three times more punishing than Ford’s equivalent passenger car test. Transit Custom spec in Ireland will include: SYNC (advanced Bluetooth control and connectivity system incorporating Emergency Assistance function that notifies emergency services in the event of an accident; rake and reach adjustable steering; Auto Start Stop; Trip Computer; power durable locks; tinted glass; ABS and ESP; and full steel bulkhead with load through hatch.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Contact GERRY @ 086-2624196 Michelin introduces Agilis+ Van Tyre Range Michelin has introduced a new range of van tyres, Agilis+, designed to cut operating costs for van and light commercial vehicle users by delivering lower fuel consumption and greater mileage. The new tyre is calculated Michelin Agilis+ to reduce fuel consumption by 270 litres for every 60,000kms travelled and shortens braking distance by more than 17 metres compared with a tyre that meets the minimum performance level defined in new European tyre labelling regulations. According to Michelin’s Sales Manager for Ireland, Tom Dennigan, a key feature contributing to its greater mileage and endurance is its superior robustness. “The Agilis+ has sidewall anti-scrape shields that protect it from damage when coming in contact with a kerb or pothole combined with eight anti-scrape patches that make it even more resistant to everyday wear and tear,” Mr Dennigan said.

Haulier urges comrades to be vigilant A truck company owner has warned other drivers to be vigilant after €1,500 worth of diesel was siphoned out of one of his trucks while the driver slept. Haulage company owner John McLaughlin of JML Transport in Co Donegal said gangs of fuel thieves were targeting trucks both JML were victims of in Ireland and diesel siphoning England. Mr McLaughlin’s truck was emptied of almost 1,200 litres of fuel in just seven minutes as the driver slept in a lay-by in Derbyshire, England, last week. Mr McLaughlin has an anti-theft device which alerts his phone when fuel is being emptied out of any of his vehicles very quickly, but he was at a wake and his phone was on silent.

MIDLAND BASED

IRU keen to enhance road safety The IRU has highlighted the need to harmonise the appropriate safe loading of commercial vehicles. They also want to take measures to ensure suitable cargo weight and securing for different types of haulage, at an IRU Academy Safe Loading and Cargo Securing Seminar organised in partnership with the Danish Transport Training Board (TUR). Participants emphasised the importance of actively supporting various measures aimed at improving loading/securing techniques and procedures, as well as harmonised enforcement throughout Europe. They also stressed that high quality training, as provided by the IRU Academy and its ATIs, is important in order to ensure safe and secure cargo and effectively improve road safety, which not only benefits the transport industry, but society as a whole.

Biggest filling station in Britain Shell reckons its new filling station on the M25 is the largest in the UK. The new site near Cobham in Surrey has a total of 141 fuel nozzles. It also offers six high speed heavy goods vehicle lanes and three Adblue pumps. And Shell says it is the only site on the M25 to sell automotive liquefied petroleum gas, At least four fuel tankers will make deliveries on a daily basis. The fuel tanks on site have the capacity to store more than a million litres of fuel.

Daytime running lights required for new 3.5 t-plus commercial vehicles On 1st November 2012 a new regulation will come into force for commercial vehicles of 3.5 t or more. According to regulation number 661/2009 of the European Parliament and Council, all vehicle models and vehicles being entered into service for the first time that are type approved after this date must be fitted with daytime running lights as a standard feature. From 1 November 2014 this regulation will also apply generally to all newly registered models within the European Union. A road traffic accident prevention report compiled by the German Federal government shows that driving with lights on during the day improves the perception of road users. IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Sitting pretty Alongside the operational and safety issues to consider when getting commercial vehicles ready for winter weather, there are clear cost considerations, too, says HGV Direct managing director, Simon Smedley. "Much of the cumulative wear and tear damage happens to a truck during the winter months, but the more expensive damage can often be avoided," he said. Replacement parts and consumables specialist HGV Direct has developed a new cab floor lining product in response to a request from a fleet customer, who was finding that floor damage cost a large amount of money to put right when vehicles were due to de-fleet. The cost implications are similar for operators who have purchased their vehicles, when they come to re-sell. He said: "There aren't many practical floor protection options - cheap mats aren't effective and are a safety hazard when they slip. So we developed a new system that is tailored to the specific model of the vehicle it is intended for." It's a very simple and practical solution. The bespoke, heavy-duty rubber and fabric floor mats are sized, shaped and cut to fit snugly in the foot well, and feature a slip checker pattern on the rubber surface, for optimal safety. The products are available as fully-tailored pairs or as single driver-side items, in a choice of colours and with the option to add a logo. HGV Direct has also developed a seat cover product for the same customer, which it is now making available via its branches and online sales channel. Simon Smedley said: "Heavy duty boots and clothing, as well as snow, rain and mud all cause expensive damage to seats and floors, so it is worth taking a few cost-effective precautions to protect the fabric of the vehicle and optimise safety at the same time." Find out more at http://www.hgvdirect.co.uk/catalog/blog.php/technical-area/cab-floor-wear-customer-case-stud HGV Direct’s floor protection covering, tailored for the Scania 4-series

FG Wilson to cut 760 jobs Seven hundred and sixty people are to lose their jobs at engineering firm FG Wilson in Northern Ireland, which is one of the country’s biggest exporters. In a statement Caterpillar, which owns FG Wilson, said the jobs would Job losses at go across the company's four Northern Ireland sites. 160 FG Wilson job losses had been announced in July and it is feared there could be hundreds more by the end of 2014. FG Wilson currently employs more than 3,000 people. It is one of NI's biggest manufacturers. It said the workers would be a combination of salaried and production employees, as well as agency workers. The company makes diesel generator sets. Caterpillar is blaming a slowdown in the global demand for its generator sets for the job cuts. It is also moving production of approximately 70% of its small generator sets to China, a move to be completed by early 2014. "Redundancies of employees and release of remaining agency workers will be complete by the end of 2012 across all four Northern Ireland facilities - Larne, Belfast, Springvale and Monkstown. "Employees impacted by reductions in 2012 will be offered a Voluntary Redundancy (VR) programme, allowing them to leave the company with an enhanced redundancy package. Resources will also be provided to the workforce to assist them during this transition period."

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Fuel price review in North

Foreign lorries to be hit with UK roads charge

The Consumer Council is seeking NI views as part of a UK-wide OFT review of the fuel industry. Motorists in Northern Ireland are being asked for their views on the price of petrol and diesel and their experiences of buying fuel. The Consumer Council has launched an online survey to gather information for a UK-wide review of the fuel industry. Recently, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) announced it was examining claims about how the UK market was operating. They include claims of failing to pass on cuts in wholesale oil prices to consumers and a lack of competition. The OFT said it was conducting the review "in light of continuing public concern about pump prices". It pointed out that UK petrol prices have risen by 38% over the last five years, while diesel costs have increased by 43% over the same period. The OFT is to spend six weeks gathering information from consumer bodies, motoring groups and representatives from the UK's £32bn fuel industry.

Foreign lorries will be charged up to £1,000 a year to use UK roads in a move introduced to boost the British haulage sector. The new £10-a-day charge is designed to create a level playing field for UK haulage companies, whose trucks already have to pay for using roads in European countries. The new charges will also be levied on British lorries - but they will receive a corresponding cut in vehicle excise duty so they will pay no more than at present. Ministers hope to implement the new legislation as soon as possible and say it will definitely be done before the end of the current Parliament in 2015. The initiative – which has been welcomed by the Road Haulage Association - follows a consultation on the plans earlier this year and comes as the Government seeks ways of kick-starting the ailing UK economy. Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin says: "These proposals will deliver a vital shot in the arm to the UK haulage industry. It is simply not right that foreign lorries do not pay to use our roads, when our trucks invariably have to fork out when travelling to the continent. By introducing charges we will create a level playing field, increasing UK competitiveness and boosting growth." The Road Haulage Association has welcomed British government plans to charge foreign lorries for using UK roads. “This is a happy day for road hauliers,” said RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning. Dunning said: ““We were encouraged when this proposal was first announced at the beginning of the year. At that time it was suggested that a charging system would be in place and working by 2014. To hear that the government intends to have a system in place no later than the end of the current Parliament is a real added bonus. "We expect a charge of about £1000 per year", said Dunning. “This is not enough to give us a level playing field as regards the rest of Europe. But it is a good start and will help no end in beginning to prepare the ground. “We are pleased that Mr McLoughlin has seen fit to bring forward this legislation so early in his tenure as transport minister; he is obviously very aware as to the important role played by UK hauliers in rebuilding the economy, increasing UK competitiveness and boosting growth.”

China’s Tullow stake up to €230m China now owns shares in Tullow Oil worth as much as €230m. China’s sovereign wealth fund – which also owns major stakes in BP and Total - has been snapping up shares in Aidan Heavey’s company in recent weeks. Since the start of June, the Chinese state company has increased its stake in the Irish oil firm to hold shares worth €230m. At present, China owns a near 1.5% stake in Tullow, following its most recent purchase of 520,000 shares in June. Tullow - the biggest single holder of African oil acreage - has close ties with the Chinese National Offshore Oil Company CNOOC. Last February, it sold a onethird stake in its bumper Ugandan oilfield to the Chinese. Plans are afoot to spend up to €4.2bn building a pipeline from the oilfield in the middle of Africa to a port on the east of the continent. The Chinese state has spent billions in an attempt to safeguard future energy and food supplies. The State Administration for Foreign Investment manages China's $3.2trn on foreign reserve and has led an investment strategy where various Chinese state bodies have entered the equity markets to buy chunks of listed food and energy companies.

Fears for NI haulage duty Sinn Féin MP for Newry Armagh Conor Murphy has stated that move by the British Government to introduce a charge of up to £1000 a year to truck drivers travelling from the 26 counties to the north of Ireland fly in the face efforts to boost the economy across the island of Ireland. Mr Murphy said: “This move will in no way help to boost economic recovery across the island of Ireland. “The Tory led government have stated they are introducing this charge in order to kick start the economy yet it is another glaring example of policy being made in Westminster with no consideration given to economic conditions in the north of Ireland. “To charge hauliers up to £1,000 a driver per year to enter the north from the 26 counties will place a huge amount of strain on already very tight operating margin for hauliers. The calls for a reciprocal move from the Irish Haulier Association for a similar charge for drivers from the north will not ease the situation. “Haulage firms are already hard pressed given the economic downturn and the high price of fuel. To place £1,000 per driver on top of this is simply ignoring these facts. It will inevitably lead to some firms going out of business. “The British government need to exempt the haulage traffic on the island of Ireland from these charges. At the North South Ministerial Council one of the main thrusts is to remove barriers to trade on an all-Ireland basis in order to help to build the economy across the island. Taxes such as this will only have the opposite effect.”

Further oil laundering plant found in Monaghan Custom Officers and Gardaí recently uncovered another oil laundering plant in Clontibret, Co. Monaghan. The plant, which was located in a disused mushroom house, had the capacity to launder approximately two million litres of fuel per annum with a potential loss to the exchequer of €1m per annum. An estimated 10,000 litres of laundered fuel, nine bags of bleaching agent, a car and a van were seized at the site. Officers also discovered eight tonnes of toxic sludge in eight Intermediate Bulk Containers. The operation was the result of surveillance activity carried out by Revenue's Customs Service and forms part of Revenue's on-going crackdown on laundered fuel. IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

New Ford Transit Custom Wins ‘International Van of the Year’; Jury Praises Car-like Drive Quality, Low Cost of Ownership · Ford’s all-new Transit Custom wins “International Van of the Year” trophy at the Hanover IAA Commercial Vehicle Show · Transit Custom garners 117 of a possible 133 points, the highest share of winning votes in the award’s history · All-new Transit Custom is the fourth Transit to win the award, following in the footsteps of the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003) and Transit (2007) · Jury of 24 specialist journalists praise all-new Transit Custom for its styling, driveability, loadcarrying ability, safety features and low cost of ownership The all-new Ford Transit Custom was named “International Van of the Year 2013” – to become the fourth member of the Transit family to win the (Transit Custom IVOTY): Barb Samardzich, vice president of Product Development, highly prized award – at the Hanover IAA Ford of Europe, receiving the International Van of the Year trophy from Peter Commercial Vehicle Show. Wieman, chairman of the International Van of the Year jury. The Transit Custom garnered 117 out of a possible 133 points, from the jury of 24 specialist journalists, the highest ever share of winning votes, and more than the combined totals of the second-placed Dacia Dokker and third-placed Mercedes-Benz Citan. It follows in the footsteps of the Transit (2001), Transit Connect (2003) and Transit (2007) to register a record-breaking fourth win for the Ford Transit family in the award’s 22-year history. “Transit Custom is a new kind of 1-tonne van – hard working and practical, but great to look at and great to drive,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Product Development, Ford of Europe. “Combining legendary Transit toughness and economy with car-like design and features was a really tough task, but our engineers delivered,” she added. “We are proud their efforts have been recognised by such a significant award.” The 2013 trophy was presented following the first press day of the Hanover show. Ford is displaying at the show all-new Transit Custom, which represents a completely new generation of 1-tonne commercial vehicles, alongside the all-new Transit and all-new Transit Connect. Ford recently revealed it is harnessing its global platform strategy and completely redesigning its entire commercial vehicle line-up for Europe over the next two years. Transit Custom offers class-leading load-carrying ability, including a number of innovative loadspace features such as the load-through hatch in the bulkhead for extra-long items, and the integrated roof rack which can be folded away when not in use. The driver also benefits from the latest Ford technologies like Lane Keeping Aid and Ford SYNC. Class-leading fuel economy with CO2 emissions from 174 g/km is delivered by the improved 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel available with Auto-Start-Stop, while cost-of-ownership is further minimised by the longest service intervals in the class at two-years/50,000 km/30,000 miles.* “The new Transit sets new standards with regard to styling, drivability and load-carrying ability,” said Pieter Wieman, chairman of the International Van of the Year jury. “Ford has succeeded in building a complete new light van on its global CV platform and with the use of proven driveline and chassis components. “The van has a car-like exterior and interior, driving dynamics which are very close to a passenger car, and notwithstanding that, is a very functional and practical vehicle. Ford has paid a lot of attention to the active and passive safety aspects of the new model, and to reducing the cost of ownership,” Wieman said. The all-new Transit Custom will go on sale in Ireland during November.

Irish Ferries opens its doors for 2013 Irish Ferries is giving their customers a head start by opening its doors to bookings on 2013 services to France. With prices starting from EUR129 one way for two adults and car, their 2013 offering includes the bonus of a EUR100 booking deposit with the balance payable just six weeks before departure plus a free return trip to Britain for a car plus two passengers for all motorists who book a return package to France during June, July and August. Travelling with Irish Ferries to France, customers sail on the Oscar Wilde cruise ferry which will once again operate three return sailings each week between Rosslare and the French ports of Cherbourg and Roscoff. For bookings and a full sailing schedule visit irishferries.com or call 0818 300 400.

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TAIL LIFT SALES & SERVICES 24/7 Breakdown Services 086 6092890

Elmfield, Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 Telephone: 01 5032200 Email: info@abron.ie

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See next month’s issue for more special offers

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MOUNTMELLICK, CO. LAOIS Email: davidhoran123@gmail.com

Contact David on 086 8752944

20 Years In Business

e g a r a G Horan’s 24 Hour Recovery Service

NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL

For All Your Repairs, Services , DOE’s & NCT Tests 8

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Fuel price review in North

Foreign lorries to be hit with UK roads charge

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

New Iveco Stralis Hi-Way voted “Truck of the Year 2013” Iveco Stralis The new STRALIS Hi-Way, the heavy-duty truck of Iveco, has won the Hi-Way Truck “International Truck of the Year” award 2013, the annual trophy of the 25 of the Year 2013 leading commercial vehicle magazines in Europe for the truck that, according to the Jury, “has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency from several different perspectives including: fuel economy; safety; driveability; comfort and a low-environmental ‘footprint’”. The important award was presented at the gala evening of the 64th edition of the Hanover International Motor Show, the largest commercial and industrial vehicle show in Europe. "We are proud of this award. The new STRALIS sets a benchmark in efficiency, quality and value for the customer. The vehicle is a true showcase of our revamped company strategy of being close to our customers, delivering excellent products”, said Alfredo Altavilla, Iveco CEO, receiving the award. The New STRALIS Hi-Way: main innovations in brief The main features of the new STRALIS Hi-Way are the significant reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and the proprietary catalytic reduction system HI-eSCR, developed by FPT Industrial. Combining the quality of the product with a range of integrated services, including programmed assistance, fleet management and driver training for economical driving, the new STRALIS can achieve a reduction in TCO of up to 4% on an international mission with a tractor STRALIS Hi-Way over an average distance of 130,000 kilometers a year, for four years. The new STRALIS is equipped with Cursor FPT Industrial engines, ensuring low fuel consumption and excellent performance. The unique High Efficiency SCR (HI-eSCR) catalytic reduction system, designed, patented and produced by FPT Industrial, makes the new STRALIS the only heavy vehicle on the market to meet Euro VI emission limits without the use of EGR. The FPT Industrial High Efficiency SCR system reduces nitrogen oxide levels by over 95%. The after-treatment technology of FPT Industrial for Euro VI vehicles is unique and exclusive, since it meets the strict limits for nitrogen oxide emissions, without increasing fuel consumption. The STRALIS Hi-Way comes, in addition, with a thoroughly redesigned cabin. The improved ergonomics and comfort are the product of close cooperation with dealers and customers. The external restyling of the cab has focused on improving vehicle aerodynamics and therefore fuel efficiency, and features a new central grille and redesigned “air deflectors” and a new bumper dam design, among others. The vehicle incorporates new advanced and integrated telematics services, improved customer services instruments and the most advanced road safety features, such as EBS with the Brake Assistant function, Lane Departure Warning System, ESP, Adaptive Cruise Control, Daytime Running Lights, the new Driver Attention Support function and the Advanced Emergency Braking System. To improve driver performance, the new STRALIS adds to the already broad range an offer with the unique "Driving Style Evaluation" function, an instrument that allows the driver to improve driving behaviour in real time. Additionally, if connected to the IVECONNECT FLEET system, this program allows the fleet manager to remotely assess the performance of each individual driver. The new STRALIS is produced in the Iveco plant in Madrid, Spain, in accordance with the highest standards in manufacturing quality.

Councils clash over bridge renaming

Bridge renaming leads to second “Battle of the Boyne”

Former Irish president Mary McAleese’s role in the peace process is set to initiate a second ’Battle of the Boyne’ between two councils. The mayor of Drogheda, County Louth, said he will boycott a ceremony to re-name the M1 motorway Boyne Bridge in honour of Mrs McAleese's peace moves. The bridge crosses over the boundary between Counties Louth and Meath. Mr Bell said Meath Council had decided to re-name the impressive 350 metre bridge without consulting his council. Taoiseach Enda Kenny has already backed the move to commemorate Mary McAleese bridgebuilding role between communities in Northern Ireland. Meath Council had proposed 16 October as a provisional date for the ceremony. However, Mr Bell, a Labour councillor, said there had been no public consultation on the re-naming of the bridge and he would not attend the ceremony. Meath Council said it would work with their Louth opposite numbers to resolve the matter.

M9 to close for a month The M9 in Kilkenny will be closed for a month from October 8th. The section of the motorway between Danesfort and Paulstown will not be accessible to traffic due to emergency road works being carried out. As a result of subsidence, the embankment has to be removed and the road structure needs to be fixed. Kilkenny County Council director of services John Mulholland has pointed out that non-invasive treatment will not be possible to fix the problem and promised that the contractor - who is footing the bill - will work day and night to get the job completed before the onset of winter. The motorway will be closed in both directions between junctions 7 and 9.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Pioneers in coach touring Over the past 55 years, Cronin’s Coaches has forged a glowing reputation as one of Ireland’s premier coach touring service providers. We popped into the company’s Cork HQ and had a chat with managing director Derry Cronin and transport, sales and service director Niall Cronin about the proud history, current wellbeing and future prospects of this stellar family business which operates a fantastic, state-of-the-art fleet of luxury passenger transport vehicles.

Cronin’s Coaches can take you anywhere. It’s up to you ...

ronin’s Coaches has certainly come a long way since Dermot Cronin purchased his first vehicle back in 1957! The Cork-based business opened depots in Dublin and New York before the turn of the millennium and has evolved with the times into a thriving group of companies that incorporates Dermot Cronin Motors and Specialised Travel Services. Recognised primarily for the exceptional level of service provided in

the coach touring industry, Cronin’s Coaches has been honoured with the Irish Tourism Board Award for Excellence and is – quite frankly – a family business without equal. Cronin’s Coaches was established in Cork city by husband and wife Dermot and Joan Cronin in 1957 and continues very much as a family business today – an astonishing 55 years later. Since its inception, Cronin’s Coaches has been recognised as a reliable, quality coach

tour operator. From the word go, the company’s highquality transport services were in big demand with Irish event managers, conference organisers and the corporate sector along with Irish and overseas tour operators and travel agents alike. To meet this demand, Cronin’s Coaches grew organically and satellite offices were opened in Dublin and New York in 1996. Cronin’s Coaches maintains a

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Hool, for example, are the epitome of luxury travel, boasting air-conditioning, generous luggage storage space, PA systems, cool boxes, tinted glass, toilets and tables upon request. These range from 36- to 53-seaters and can accommodate parties up to 38 - 48 passengers As of December 2010, Cronin’s Coaches is being overseen by the second generation of the Cronin family: the founders’ sons and daughters Derry, Niall, Nora, Anne and Margaret now oversee the day-to-day running of the company and invest a personal touch as well as vast experience into daily operations. “We started out in ’57 with a private car and then brought in some vans and minibuses before breaking into the tourism work during the 1960s,” Derry notes. “We have a fleet of 45 vehicles at the moment, primarily Van Hool coaches and a few chauffeur-driven vehicles. We’ve been using Van Hool since the early 1980s and the vast majority of our work today would be in the coach touring sector.” Within the Cronin Travel Group is Dermot Cronin Motors in Cork, which is a Van Hool agent providing the full range of sales, service and parts, and Specialised Travel Services, which is an incoming tour operator. “But Cronin’s Coaches is very much the backbone of the business,” Niall points out. “The company has grown substantially over the years. We have been one of the market leaders in the touring business since coach touring took off in the ‘60s, building our business on the back of quality vehicles and quality drivers and guides. Most of our business would come from overseas, where we provide coaches for tourists and visitors to the country.” In terms of catchment area, Cronin’s will go wherever the work is. “The vehicles will only earn money while they are on the road, so we operate nationwide and also in the UK. There has been a spread of tourism nationwide, with most visitors now wishing to take in as much of the country as they can,” Derry says. Tourism, of course, is one of the great products that Ireland can still offer. “It’s improving,” the MD relates. “And the coach tour market is one of the big performers. There may not be many iconic attractions in Ireland but as a nation we have a great deal to offer – we have a history, a culture and a heritage and we also have great people, who are renowned internationally for their hospitality and friendliness. So there’s big demand for a sightseeing product that includes meeting the people. As a product, tourism – like everything else -

stunning fleet of deluxe vehicles, ranging from state-of-the-art coaches to VIP chauffeur-driven vans and executive cars. The varied fleet of modern vehicles includes private cars, mini vans, 30- to 53-seater executive coaches and double decker buses, which can provide a full range of luxury transport solutions including airport transfers; chauffeur drive; corporate transport; city tours; itinerary planning; group touring; family events and tours; transfers to sports events; schools trips and services, etc. Full-spec, high-view touring coaches from Van IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The Cronin family (l/r): Margaret, Niall, Dermot, Derry and Nora. Missing from photo is Anne

started to decline around 2007 but there has been a small recovery in 2011 and again so far in 2012.” As they also run their own Van Hool dealership, Cronin’s are in an ideal position to maintain and service their luxury fleet of vehicles in-house. “We can handle our own repairs, servicing, parts etc. and we also provide servicing and repairs for some of the other local operators,” Niall confirms. “We have the facility, the knowledge and the parts to provide that service. “Our own fleet would be maintained from the workshop at our HQ here in

Cork, which is a state-of-the-art facility. We’ve been here since 1975, having purchased the site to order and developed it further down through the years as needs require. For example, we’ve recently invested in a new spray booth. We also have a full-time mechanic working at our Dublin depot.” Cronin’s have a great reputation for the presentation and cleanliness of their vehicles, which are washed daily and maintained in immaculate condition – one of their many hallmarks! The company is of massive

importance to the local economy as a total of 65 people are employed between full time and part time. Huge GAA supporters, the Cronins are renowned for their work with sports teams and one of their regular clients would be Cork County Board as they transfer a succession of all-conquering Rebel County teams to venues all around the country. Niall admits that the high price of diesel is placing added pressure on the business: “Like everybody else, you have to soak up a lot of the increases because you have quoted x, y and z for

Pictured at the Vahool TX launch (l/r): Niall Cronin, Eric Olijslagers, Dermot Cronin, Johan Moortgart, Freddy Dierckx, Daan Peeters, Rufin Moyens

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE COMPONENTS Unit 1, Westlink Business Park, Mallow Road, Cork Tel: 021-4303003. Fax: 021-4303008 Email: info@cvc.ie

CONTINUED SUCCESS TO ALL AT CRONIN’S COACHES Ltd. 24

Best Wishes To Cronin’s Coaches Ltd From

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Wishing Cronin’s Coaches Ltd Continued Success In The Future

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FOR ALL YOUR TRUCKING NEWS www.irishtrucker.com 26

Luxury Coach Hire Specialists Main Street, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny.

Ph: 051 643250

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a three-year contract and you can’t add on a fuel surcharge. You try to anticipate what fuel costs might be, but this is very difficult. “There are other pressures, too. There is added pressure due to the registration plate legislation. A good touring coach could see ten years. We could only have 250,000km on a coach after five years and might have to replace it at a cost of EUR300,000, which shouldn’t be the case. “Also, the business is seasonal – about 180-200 days from May until September. Adhering to driver hours legislation is placing us under pressure. Legislation being introduced by Europe claims to be fair to all countries but this isn’t the case. These rules are unfair in a country where you might only work half of the year.” Having said all that, Cronin’s Coaches is more

than holding its own and Niall is confident that they will continue to thrive going forward: “This is a very important industry. Once we delivery a quality service and keep control of our costs, we will we okay. The company has evolved substantially over the past 55 years and there is a good work ethic amongst the staff. Everybody in the company works very hard and we have a very good product, so we are confident that we’re moving in the right direction.”

Luxury travel is very much the name of the game at Cronin’s Coaches

Contact Details Cronin’s Coaches Ltd. Shannon Buildings, Mallow Road, Cork City. Tel: 021 4309090 Fax: 021 4305508 Email: cork@croninscoaches.ie www.croninscoaches.ie

Cronin’s Coaches is right on the doorstep of some fantastic attractions

Part of the impressive Cronin’s Coaches fleet

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A reliable, punctual and stress-free travel experience Continued Good Wishes To Cronin’s Coaches Ltd

Fingal Transport Services has a longstanding contract with Wavin

Nothing plastic about Fingal Transport Services A long-standing contract with Wavin Ireland has contributed to the growth and success of Fingal Transport Services Ltd, which offers a wide range of services to its customers.

ased in Garristown on the Dublin-Meath border, Fingal Transport Services Ltd has been providing a top-class, reliable and value-for-money service since it was established in 1996 by Sean Andrews. Best known as a nationwide distributor for Wavin Ireland’s products, the company offers a wide range of transport hire and related services

Sean Andrews behind the wheel

across all sectors of the industry, including agriculture, maintenance/service, logistics, storage, loading and weigh bridge. With the help of his wife Rebecca and brothers Dermot (maintenance manager) and Joe (storage manager), Sean has turned Fingal Transport Services into a successful business which employ 12 staff, including full-time drivers, and

boasts a fleet of 10 and 20 trucks and trailers respectively. “I set up the company in 1996, having operated as a sole trader for 10 years before that,” Sean remembers. “My father PJ, who died in 2006, had one or two trucks which he used mainly for transporting sand and gravel. I bought my first truck after leaving school and have gradually grown the fleet since then. One of the reasons we’ve been successful is down to the variety of services we provide. We’ve had a great contract with Wavin for over 20 years, but we do a lot more besides that.” Fingal Transport Services’ distributes Wavin’s products all over the country from its Balbriggan production facility, which is situated a short distance from Garristown. Wavin is Ireland’s largest manufacturer and distributor of plastic pipes and fittings. The company provides over 3,000 products for the building, construction and farming industries, local authorities and state utilities. The Wavin product range is unrivalled in scope and quality, covering: above ground systems, plumbing and heating systems, below ground drainage systems, waste management systems, ducting systems as well as water and IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The company provides a tipper trailer service

gas distribution systems. Fingal Transport Services provides a full range of transport services, from flat trailers, curtainsider trailers, tipper trailers and livestock trailers to general purpose tankers, refrigerated trailers and step-frame flat trailers. The company’s bulk tippers can be used for transporting aggregate, cereals, animal fees, etc. Fingal’s step-frame trailers are ideal for transporting any abnormal, high or wide loads, while its low-loaders with ramps can carry any machine or machinery. The company also caters From left to right: Stephen Reynolds, Dermot Andrews for farmers with its 6,500-gallon slurry transport (maintenance), Luke Andrews, James Andrews, Sean Andrews tankers, slurry spreading and slurry agitating services. In addition, it provides a livestock transport service and offers all maintenance requirements for LGVs and HGVs. Like many haulage firms, Fingal Transport Services was heavily reliant on the construction industry a few years ago, but its ability to diversify and identify new opportunities has enabled it go from strength to strength in the face of one of the worst recession’s this country has ever seen. With agriculture on the rise again, Sean identified a need for a slurry transport service which caters for farmers whose land is far removed from their Sean Andrews farmyard. with Stephen Reynolds “I started it as a sideline business about four (mechanic) years ago,” the affable managing director process. explains. “I went into it in a big way after the property crash “We’ve done slurry runs as far away as Charleville (Co. happened and haven’t looked back since. It’s aimed at Cork) and Donegal. It’s going really well and the witty farmers whose land is a long way from their yard. Instead of catchphrase we have on the back of one of our tankers, using their tractors to draw their slurry, we can take do the ‘Another load of bull…!’ has got plenty of reaction, most of job for them and save them a lot of money and time in the which has been very positive I’m happy to add.”

Fingal provides a full range of transport services

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To Fingal Transport Services Ltd, From

Best Wishes To Fingal Transport Services Ltd, From

TRUCK AND TRAILER TEC LTD Contact Jason Keating 083 3996098 Con O’Brien 083 4297183

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Keep on trucking with IRISH & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Sean Andrews set up his business in 1996

Sean with nephews Luke and James

Another load of straw bales en route to their destination

The Fingal Transport Services fleet is blue and white in colour and dominated by Volvo. A familiar sight on Irish roads, the trucks occasionally do runs to the UK. One of the company’s biggest selling points is its location on the outskirts of Dublin. It’s situated just off the busy N2 Dublin-Derry route and just a few minutes from the M50 and 25 minutes from the Dublin Port Tunnel. Sean, who is a part-time farmer, admits it’s a tough time for everyone associated with the transport industry. “The price of diesel is a huge issue for every truck owner I

know,” he says. “It used to account for one-third of our turnover, now it’s over half. It’s crazy how expensive it has got, but we just have to keep going and to continue offering the best service we can. We are fortunate to have great customers and staff, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued support.”

CONTACT DETAILS Fingal Transport Services Cloghertown, Clonalvy, Co. Meath. Telephone/Fax: 01 835 4777 Mobile: 086 243 6096 Email: ftsl@eircom.net

The witty catchphrase on the back of Fingal’s tankers have got plenty of attention

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GRS Recovery has gone from strength to strength over the past four years

The recovery specialists GRS Recovery is one of Ireland’s foremost vehicle breakdown, recovery and removal services. Managing director Niall Graham explains more.

The company is equipped to handle passenger cars

RS Recovery (Graham Recovery Services) has been providing a reliable and professional 24hour breakdown and recovery service to vehicle owners since Niall Graham set up the business in 2008. Based in Limerick city, GRS serves the greater Mid-West region. However, it is not unusual for Neil and his team to attend to broken-down vehicles in other parts of the country. In addition, GRS services and repairs all types of vehicles, and specialises in used car sales. The company is fully equipped to handle passenger cars, motorcycles, and both light and heavy commercial vehicles. Niall’s staff, who are always friendly and courteous, are fully trained to handle any emergency. “We offer a complete

breakdown service,” says Niall, who has worked in the transport business all his life. “We are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deal with any breakdown which may occur in Limerick city, Limerick county and the surrounding counties. But we’re not just confined to this part of the country. If, for example, we are asked to pick up a car in Donegal, we will. In the current climate, you’ll go wherever the work is.” No vehicle is too big or too small for GRS. Deploying two state-of-the-art Mercedes tilt and slide recovery trucks, Niall can recover any size of vehicle. He also operates a van which is specially equipped for the recovery of motorcycles. The recovery vehicles are always stocked with items such as fuel, light bulbs, batteries and fuses,

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

GRS provides a 24 hour breakdown service

which may get your vehicle sorted on the spot. As part of its service, GRS can collect vehicles, ranging from cars, vans and 4x4s to classic cars, from any part of Ireland and UK, and transport them quickly and safely to their required destination. The company also provides storage and towing facilities and holds a waste collection permit which allows it to transport scrap and end-of-life vehicles. GRS prides itself on being able to offer the most competitive rates around. “Our service is totally professional, efficient and competitively priced. For long distance recovery or car transport jobs, or at particular times of the day, significant

discounts are available on our standard tariff. We won’t be beaten on price,” Niall insists. Setting up his own company in the middle of one of the worst recessions this country has ever seen was a brave move on Niall’s part, but he doesn’t have any regrets. “It was a big gamble at the time, but there was an opening for this type of business in Limerick and I decided to go for it,” he explains. “I had driven articulated trucks in Ireland and the UK, and always had an interest in cars and car sales. I have a lot of contacts in the business and that has stood to me since I started out on my own four years ago.” In summary, Niall is CONTACT DETAILS committed to providing a top-class GRS Recovery service and 66 Henry Street, maintaining a good Limerick City. working relationship Telephone: 086 604 3334 with his customers. or 061 315 802 And it goes without Website: grsrecovery.com saying that he won’t be beaten on price.

The Limerick based company was founded by Niall Graham

MUNSTER HOUSE, 75A O’CONNELL STREET, LIMERICK Tel: 061 418214 / 061 413847/061 415637 Email: solicitors@ogorman.ie O’Gorman Solicitors are celebrating 21 years in business in 2012 and are proud to be associated with Graham Recovery Services and wish them every continued success Contact us today and let us help you with any problems! Our Services Include GRS provides a towing service

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Personal Injury Claims | Wills & Probate | Family Law Court Work | Property Purchase/Sales | Employment Law

Lee Garage is the oldest Fiat dealership in the country

Lee Garage celebrates 80 years in business Looking for a new or used commercial to suit your needs? If so, main Fiat dealers Lee Garage Cork Ltd are certainly worth a visit. 34

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Liam Leahy hands over the keys of a new Fiat van to Daniel Swagrztr of Hassett’s Bakery

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

his year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of Lee Garage Cork Ltd which has the distinction of being the oldest Fiat dealership in the country. Established in 1932 by Donald Jeffery and Arthur Good, the family-run garage has a long tradition of value-for-money and total dedication to customer service. Lee Garage was a main Alder dealer up to 1945, but when the Alder production facility in Germany was destroyed by fire during World War II, it became a Fiat dealership. Originally located on the site of where Merchant’s Quay Shopping Centre now stands, the garage has been operating from South Terrace since 1961. The current premises were redeveloped by managing director Frampton Jeffery in 1994. In 2002 Frampton’s son, and the third generation of the family to join the business, Gavin, started in the sales department. It is also a main dealer for Alfa Romeo and is a sister company of Lee Auto Centre, Cork’s main Peugeot dealership based on the Model Farm Road which is headed up by Jeffery Good, joint Managing Director. Lee Garage stocks a comprehensive range of Fiat cars and commercials, and a boasts a loyal customer-base which is the envy of its competitors. The Fiat range of commercials includes the Ducato, Scudo, Doblo, Fiorino and Punto Van. If you are looking for a particular model, you’ll be able to sit into it when you visit Lee Garage’s state-of-the-art Cork city showroom. If you are not sure what you’re looking for, one of the experienced salesmen will be there to help you chose the right vehicle for your needs. “We stock the full range of Fiat passenger cars and vans,” Frampton explains. “Fiat is a well-established brand in Ireland and has a reputation for reliability, value-for-money and excellence. There is a five-year warranty on all new Fiat cars. We have something to suit everyone and as a result we have many satisfied customers in Cork, and many more much further afield.” Lee Garage has been selling commercial vehicles since the early 1990s, having previously operated a van rental business. Frampton takes up the story: “We gradually built up this side of the business under our commercial sales manager Liam Leahy, and by 2000 we were selling roughly 100 new Fiat commercials per year. This figure held firm until about 2008 when the recession kicked in”. “It’s been tough for everyone in the business over the last few years, and 2013 is shaping up to be another difficult year. Hopefully the new license plate system just introduced by the SIMI will alleviate some of the concerns of the more superstitious of our customers”! The affable managing director reveals how Lee Garage’s thriving Fiat Autonomy Programme has helped to offset some of the negative effects of the recession. The garage is Munster’s specialist company for adapted wheelchair accessible vehicles and passengers. Its dedicated team can offer advice on all aspects of vehicle purchase. Government grants and

Continued success to

Continued Best Wishes To Lee Garage Cork Ltd, From

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CAR ADAPTATIONS FOR DISABLED DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS 36

Best Wishes To Lee Garage Cork Ltd , From All At

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Monahan House, Celtic Business Park, Monahan Road, Cork Tel: 021-4321799. Fax: 021-4322486 Email: info@paulodonovan.ie

www.paulodonovan.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

allowances are available for disabled drivers and passengers on the purchase of a vehicle for disabled drivers. Lee Garage also rents wheelchair accessible vehicles which can be supplied with fully comprehensive insurance and 24-hour AA Roadside Assistance. “We got into this business in the mid-1990s and it has been very successful for us,” Frampton says “It’s hasn’t been affected by the recession in the same way as car sales has. We work in conjunction with Ger O’Callaghan at Calven Mobility who are also based in Cork city. They carry out the modifications and conversions to an extremely high standard. The Fiat Doblo is especially suited to disabled drivers because of its dropped floor for wheelchair access. We adapt a wide range of car models to suit the needs of disabled drivers, but the models we generally specialise in are Fiat, Peugeot and Renault. “We provide free home demonstrations throughout the Munster region and offer advice on wheelchair accessibility options that are most suited to the customer as well as on wheelchair and occupant restraint systems that ensure maximum passenger safety”. Lee Garage is extremely proud of the after sales service they provide. The service department is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5.30pm and boasts full parts and accessories sections. Lee Garage Aftercare provides you with backup and reassurance in the lasting quality of your car and offers a full range of after sales services for both cars and commercial vehicles. The garage has a fully-equipped workshop which is staffed by expertly trained technicians who can provide you with an unrivalled quality of service. In addition, the garage operates Menu Pricing Programme which guarantees a fixed price, CONTACT DETAILS with no hidden extras. We asked Frampton is Lee Garage Cork Ltd, there any knowledge he can 11-13 South Terrace, pass us on from a business Cork City. with over 80 years of Phone: 021-4313344 experience in the motor Fax: 021-4314359 trade. Proving Lee Garage Email: info@leegarage.com is still hungry and Frampton is not a man to dwell on past Website: www.leegarage.com success, Frampton leaves Opening hours: Monday-Friday us with one small piece of 9am-5.30pm; Saturdays 10amadvice: “You are only as 3pm for sales only. good as your last sale”. IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Mark Healy (Trevor Tool Hire), second from left and Donal Finnegan of McKechnie Cleaning Services, third from left, take delivery of new vans from Gavin Jeffery and Liam Leahy of Lee Garage

From left to right: Edward O’Halloran (Karwig), Frampton Jeffrey of Lee Garage, Robert Burton (R Burton Electrical) and Liam Leahy of Lee Garage

Best Wishes To Lee Garage Cork Ltd

Avalon provides a single source solution for integrated and converged voice and data communications networks.

Voice Solutions | Data Solutions | Disaster Recovery Tailored solutions provided for the Automotive Industry Unit 4 A/B, Fotapoint Enterprise Park, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork Tel: + 353 (0)21 6024238 Fax: + 353 (0)21 6024252 email info@avalon.ie www.avalon.ie

Holden Plant Rentals is the largest specialist equipment rental company in the country

Holden on to top spot Established for over 50 years, Holden Plant Rentals is Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest specialist equipment rental company. Managing director Paul Holden explains more. 38

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

waste management companies with all their required equipment needs. Also specialising in contract maintenance, HPR has 900 vehicles in service at any one time and boasts a client list that other similar businesses can only dream of. The company’s success can be attributed to a high level of service and commitment to its customers and an understanding that customers’ requirements are continually changing. As part of its on-going commitment to improving its service, HPR is on course to implement ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 BS EN Standard accreditations. “We can supply everything from road sweepers to refuse trucks,” Paul Holden explains. “We started hiring equipment to Waterford City Council in the early 1990s and things snowballed from there. Cork City Council followed in 2001, Dublin City Council in 2006 and Galway City Council, also in 2006. We won a major contract to supply road sweepers to Dublin City Council in 2008 and since then we’ve supplied the contract to supply Fingal County Council and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. “We supply equipment to all the major local authorities throughout Ireland and also have contracts to maintain their own fleets in cases such as Limerick and Cork City Councils. We supply waste handling equipment and Commercial Vehicles on contract to the major recycling Companies such as Greyhound, Oxygen, Greenstar, Panda, AES, along with specialist hazardous waste equipment Veolia Environmental Services. Other clients include the HSE and CRH Group. We purchase equipment direct from manufacturers and as such we carry out all

olden Plant Rentals Ltd has come a long way since the late Patrick Holden (Paul’s father) founded a small car and agricultural machinery business in Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny 57 years ago. It is now recognised as the largest specialist equipment rental company in the country supplying local authorities and IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

warranty and modifications if required in-house,” he adds. Last year, Holden Plant Rentals was awarded a contract to supply Refuse Trucks with RFID bin weigh and identification to Greyhound Recycling for their South Dublin County Council collection service, this was extended earlier this year to cover the Dublin City Council contract following the Greyhound takeover, The supply contract also includes specialist waste handling and separating plant located at Greyhound’s Clondalkin facility, including a number of purpose-built for waste application Liebherr Material Handlers with high-rise cab facility and extra-long reach along with two JCB 456 Wastemaster’s and 20,000kg excavator’s Appointed an agency for Zetor tractors for counties Kilkenny and Waterford in 1968, HPR expanded into municipal equipment rental – mostly to local councils – in 1989. This end of the business expanded rapidly as demand

for a business that could both supply and maintain specialist equipment grew. HPR began supplying to the CRH Group, including Roadstone, John A Wood, Irish Cement, Northstone and Irish Industrial Explosives, with loading and compaction equipment, and later

became one of the Group’s primary suppliers of vehicles and plant in Ireland. At the same time, the company began supplying specialist segregation equipment, re-handling plant, refuse trucks, shredders and screens to the waste management sector. Throughout this period, the Holden

The HPR headquarters in Mullinavat, Co. Kilkenny

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

BEST WISHES TO HOLDEN PLANT RENTALS www.hino.ie

Best Wishes To Holden Plant Rentals You will get a Professional and Efficient Service by fully qualified Auto Body Repair Specialists. Unit 86 Westside Business Park, Old Kilmeaden Road, Waterford

Mobile: 086 278 3180 24 HOURS Tel: 051 853598 Email: michaelmurphycrashrepairs@gmail.com

www.mlmurphycrashrepairs.com

Continued Best Wishes To Holden Plant Rentals From

Westpark Motor Co. Ltd. Kylemore Park West, Dublin 10 T: 01 6266152 F: 01 6231318 E: info@westparkmotors.ie www.westparkmotors.ie

SALES - SERVICE - PARTS Light & Heavy Goods DOE Testing & Tachograph Calibration Continued Success to Holden Plant Rentals, from Tel 062-77100 Mobile: 087-9817994 Hollyford Co.Tipperary

STOCKISTS OF: CASTROL, ALPHA, SHELL & MOBIL LUBRICANTS ALSO STOCKISTS OF GREASE, DETERGENTS, BATTERIES, FILTERS & LUBRICATING EQUIPMENT 42

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS MAGAZINE Call BARRY now on 00353

(0) 46 9241923

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Holden’s have 900 vehicles in service at any one time

base in Mullinavat – which is just six miles from Waterford city – continually expanded to cater for the growth in business. As part of a recent €2 million development, a new IT section dedicated to supplying and servicing waste management companies and local authorities with complete fleet management, operation management, GPS tracking, contract control and Real Time online fleet management was established. A new parts store, inhouse body repair area and additional administrative sections were also developed. Holden Plant Rentals supplies a

range of equipment to cover all aspects of environmental requirement, including factory floor cleaners, street sweeper and scrubbers, large road washers and airport runway cleaners. Indeed, the company supplies and maintains road sweepers at Dublin Airport. It is also responsible for maintaining and cleaning the Luas tram line in the capital. In addition, HPR supplies a wide and varied range of vehicles to the transport industry, including vans, crew cabs and tipper trucks. Some of the re-handling equipment it supplies includes excavators, forklifts and teleporters.

The company prides itself on meeting and exceeding its customers’ requirements, excelling in areas of service and back-up with dedicated area management based in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Limerick. This is supported by mobile service engineers located in each area, ensuring the company policy of adhering to preventative maintenance programmes gives customers the standard of service and reliability they expect. Paul is full of praise for his 72-strong staff who, he says, have made a major contribution to the company’s growth and success over the years. “We have a good team working for us between maintenance and management personnel. Twelve of them are permanently based in Dublin where a lot of our business is conducted,” the affable managing director concludes.

CONTACT DETAILS

The company has been in business for 57 years

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Holden Plant Rentals Ltd Mullinavat Co. Kilkenny Tel: 051-89816 Fax: 051-898335 info@holdenplantrentals.com

Specialists in recyclable materials

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd. has forged an excellent reputation for itself as one of the leading recyclable waste transporters on the island of Ireland. Irish Trucker popped into their Claudy, County Derry base and had a word with director Ryan Miller about the history, current well-being and future hopes of this stellar family business.

A Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd. is a family run business which has been active in the transport industry since the middle of the last decade, specialising in recycling transport since 2009. Having started from humble beginnings with just one vehicle transporting municipal waste to landfill, the company has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, providing a specialist large volume bulk haulage service using walking floor trailers ideal for the recycling industry. A dedicated recycling transport solutions provider, DA Milller & Sons’ large volume walking floor trailers have a capacity of 110 metres (140 yrd3) with the ability to reach payloads of up to 27 tonne - even with lightweight material such as alloy wheels, farm plastic and dry mixed recyclables. This amounts to 20% more capacity than standard walking floor trailers and up to 50% greater payload than bulk tippers – with no tipping risk! Thus, the County Derry based recycling specialist is more cost effective than the competition, transporting more material per load and therefore reducing the cost per tonne of transport. Also, as the material is moved with fewer loads it reduces the carbon footprint of the recycling process, making DA Miller & Sons one of the greenest transport providers in the industry. DA Miller & Sons prides itself on the courteous and friendly service provided from enquiry to payment receipt, aiming at all times to be as friendly and efficient as possible. Targets which have been set –

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

and are invariably met – include: responding to quotation enquiries within 24 hours; invoices including waste transfer notes sent by the middle of the following week; and offering maximum flexibility to accommodate customer needs. Recyclable materials handled include waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), dry mixed recyclables, sheered aluminium, stainless steel, copper, alloy wheels, waste tyres and tyre crumb, sawdust, woodchip, waste paper, farm plastic, compost, waste plasterboard, green waste and municipal waste. The company operates throughout Ireland and the UK including daily movements across the Irish Sea. Their strong, robust steel scrap trailers can handle even the most aggressive of recyclable material from full engines to steel girders – and DA Miller & Sons also has the expertise to transport a wide range of goods and materials including long, flat and palletised goods. Reflecting on the genesis of the company, Ryan Miller notes: “The company was officially formed in October 2012 by my father DA Miller, myself, and my brother Glen. My father [David Andrew, known as Drew] had been a builder for years and then in 2005 he bought a six-wheel tipper lorry to complement our site clearance and quarry work. “We took on various civil engineering subcontracting jobs up until 2008 and then got an ejector trailer with double-driver tractor unit. By 2009, we were searching for a niche and we knew

Wishing Continued Success To DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd From

Continued Best Wishes To DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd From

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Unit 9C, Newbuildings Industrial Estate, Victoria Road, Londonderry BT47 2SX

Best Wishes To DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd, From

TBF Thompson Mallusk: 028 9034 2001 Garvagh: 028 2955 8353 Portadown: 028 3839 3300

T/F: (028) 7134 7788 M: 07710 731 832 E-mail: info@foyleskiphire.com

www.foyleskiphire.com Best Wishes To DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd From

David Wilson Farm Sales A WIDE RANGE OF TRAILERS AND EXPERT GARDENING SERVICES

DAF DistributorsNorthern Ireland

36 Straw Road, Londonderry BT47 4PA T: 028 7774 1541 or 07973 674 877 E: dandmwilson@btinternet.com www.davidwilsonfarmsaleslondonderry.co.uk

Best Wishes To DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd From

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Continued Best Wishes To DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd 46

Unit 1, Lynwood Business Centre, Campsie, Derry BT47 3XX Tel: 028 71 810100 | Fax: 028 71 810665 Code from R.O.I. 048 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

recycling was on the up and construction was dying, so we got work on the UK mainland transporting recyclable materials using these ejector trailers and it has grown from there. “We have since introduced the steel bulk tipping trailers to offer customers an additional complementary service.” The Northern Ireland headquartered recycling transport company operates a specialist fleet of seven walking floor trailers plus two steel bulk tipping trailers. They hold a waste carrier’s licence for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and their application for a multi-regional waste collection permit for the Republic of Ireland was being processed at the time of writing. Since first starting to move recyclable waste, DA Miller & Sons has established ongoing relationships with a core of regular clients and they are also attracting interest from new customers all the time. “As the tonnage has increased, our fleet has also grown, from one to seven walking floors,” Ryan continues. “There is still room for further expansion but it has to be steady, sustainable growth and it has to be properly managed and kept under control.” Bibby Financial Services Ireland is proud to be associated with DA Miller & Sons. Successfully providing funding solutions for over 25 years, Bibby Financial Services opened its first Irish office – under the direction of Graham Byrne – in Dublin’s Sandyford Industrial Estate six years ago, and opened a second office in Belfast two years later. Bibby Financial Services are experts in providing the right funding solutions for a company’s needs. Once the paperwork is signed, Bibby can transfer the funds within 24 hours and the business in question will be allocated their own client manager and credit

controllers who work with them to manage their service. “Our core business is invoice finance,” explains Bibby’s Regional Sales Manager for Northern Ireland Nick McCafferty. “Our primary objective is to support cash flow for our clients and not have them waiting 30 days for payment from a sale. We can look after a company’s credit control if they so wish. In addition, we provide a professional, consistent approach to debt control. As you could imagine, there is a big demand for our service in the current economic climate.” Nick says DA Miller & Sons is one of his most valued clients: “When I first met them in 2010, I identified that it was a well-run family business,” he recalls. “One of the things we look for is a

strong management team and that left an impression on me straight away. I commend them on looking to other markets after the downturn and I would like to think that Bibby Financial Services has played its part in helping

Wishing Continued Success To DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd.

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handle all the ‘big stuff’. The Miller family keep themselves informed on and compliant with all legislation affecting the industry, with all relevant permits and licences secured and a health and safety record that’s second to none. As for the reasons for their success, Ryan continues: “While plenty of others are offering walking floor trailers, ours have a very large capacity. We can load between 22 and 24 tonnes, while our competitors might carry between 18 and 20. So, while our rates per load might be more expensive, the simple reality is that our rates per tonne are more competitive. “Customers are very cost-conscious and the more we can move for them in one go, the better.” Employing a crew of nine, DA Miller & Sons has just updated its attractive white and blue livery. Best Wishes To DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd Appearance is

them to realign their business.” The trucks in the DA Miller fleet are predominantly DAF from TBF Thompson as well as two MANs from WH McCormack & Sons. All routine maintenance and checks are carried out in-house but the respective dealers

everything and a well-presented fleet can often result in new contracts being secured. “The truck is like a moving advertisement,” Ryan agrees. “The visual aspect of the truck is very important and we have often had new customers who have followed one of our vehicles on the road and then called us using the phone number on the lorry. “Our new website www.damillerandsons.co.uk – has also been up and running since January and has also been very successful in bringing in new business.” Looking to the future, Ryan concludes: “Luckily we are still receiving new enquiries from customers on a weekly basis and I’m always pricing something new. Granted, road transport is very competitive, but we know what we can do and what we can offer and we do it well. We keep our costs under control as best we can and we believe we provide a very reliable and competitive service.”

CONTACT DETAILS DA Miller & Sons (Transport) Ltd. 330 Glenshane Road, Claudy, County Derry, BT47 4HP. Tel: 028 7133 8383 info@damillerandsons.co.uk www.damillerandsons.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Robinsons: the people’s choice The sale of 4x4s may have dropped considerably in recent years as the economic recession has hit both north and south of the border. However, there is still a demand for the 4x4 market and one of Northern Ireland's top dealers is the long established independent trader Robinsons of Hillsborough, which is based in Co Down.

his family run business has been operating in its current guise since 1990, but its origins can be dated back as far as 1929. Those times, the business traded as Robinson Brothers and farming was their main area of expertise. Plant sales was soon added to the portfolio and in the late 50's the sale of four wheel drive vehicles began. Later on in the 70's, Philip Robinson began concentrating more in the 4x4 sector and eventually in 1990 commenced trading as Robinsons of Hillsborough Four Wheel Drives Ltd specialising in four wheel drive sales. With so many years' experience in the vehicle sales industry, Irish Trucker had to find out the secret of their success and to do this; we spoke to Philip's son Daniel, who gave us an insight into the running of such a successful business. Daniel admits that the market has certainly changed in recent years, but their ability to meet their customers' demands has stood them in good stead through these testing times. “The demand for second hand vehicles has certainly decreased a lot and the main focus of interest is now second hand vehicles. People just don't have the money to spend on new vehicles like they use to have and this is mainly due to the fact that banks are not releasing money as freely as they use to be,” revealed Daniel. “Our main problem now is sourcing secondhand vehicles. There is a huge demand for them, but people are not trading in as much as they use to be and they are holding on to them for an extra few years.” However, Daniel stated that through their large customer base, they are 'kept going' as many of their customers are satisfied by the service provided. “A lot of our custom would be repeat. We carry all makes and as an independent trader, we carry a wide range of vehicles. At any given time, there would be 30 to 35 vehicles on the premises here. We are dedicated to supplying excellent quality 4x4's. With many years of experience in the motor trade we have a vast knowledge of Four Wheel Drives and are always willing to give advice on the best vehicle to suit your needs. “As we are independent importers we are able to give impartial and non-bias advice on all makes and models of four wheel drives such as Toyota, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Land Rover, Isuzu, BMW, Mercedes and many more. We are able to source and supply new UK as well as European imports. All new European imports are sold with manufactures warranty so you can buy with confidence. A wide range of quality used four wheel drives are always in stock, so if the vehicle you require is not listed contact us with your requirements and we will endeavour to source your preferred vehicle.” The company has grown from then to meet the much greater demands of the 4x4 market. They are also able to offer both long and short term hire IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

packages of executive and commercial four wheel drives. Feel free to contact them for a quotation. “Customer satisfaction is our main priority and it is one that has stood us in good stead for many, many years. We do our best to give the customer the option to come back to us and we are pleased to say that has worked. “Aftersales service is a major factor to consider when deciding to purchase a vehicle. As a result, we pride ourselves with the facilities we offer. Please feel free to contact us regarding any aspect of service and maintenance to your vehicle.” Robinsons' location has also played a part in their success as they are ideally situated close to all motorways, which means that they are accessible to both north and south of the island. The reputation that Robinsons have developed over the years is another major reason for their success as quality vehicles are reasonable prices are guaranteed. The fear of not gaining finance for a vehicle can be off putting for many, but Robinson's good relationship with finance companies eases that burden. “We source all our vehicles in the north here and we can tailor a finance package to suit our customers' needs. We have many years' experience in this industry and we would be delighted to help with any queries that a potential customer may have.”

CONTACT DETAILS Robinsons of Hillsborough 71 Moira Road Hillsborough County Down BT26 6DX Tel: 028 9268 2235 Fax: 028 9268 9392 Email: info@robinsonsofhillsborough.co.uk

We’re Here To Help!

Tel: 028 30889745 BEST WISHES TO ROBINSONS OF HILLSBOROUGH 49

McQuillans lead the way McQuillan Companies is a family run business that has been providing a wide variety of services to a large customer base for many generations.

nder the company umbrella are

five

divisions

and

Contracts manager Ronan

McQuillan speaks to Irish Trucker about the services that each provide, while we also take a look into the background of this Northern Ireland based company. Headquartered in Lisburn, Co Antrim the group consists of John McQuillan (Contracts) Ltd, McQuillan Quarries, McQuillan Environcare Ltd, McQuillan Skip Hire Ltd and Pattersons Outdoor Cleaning Solutions. The current directors of the company are

Johnny

McQuillan,

Eugene,

McQuillan, Eugene Patrick McQuillan, Paul Brogan and Cecil Hamill. John McQuillan

(Contracts)

Ltd

has

established

since

and

has

1953

developed a reputation for quality,

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Wishing continued success to

McQuillan Companies

Best Wishes To McQuillan Companies , From

41 Dobbin Rd, Portadown, Co. Armagh BT62 4EY Tel: 028 3833 7333

Pleased to provide the following services to McQuillan Companies for over 15 years

East Twin Rd., Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast BT23 9EN Tel: 028 9045 7556 Lisahally Dock, Port Road, Lisahally BT47 6FL Tel: 028 7186 1151

BEST PRICES FOR FERROUS & NON-FERROUS • Waste Disposal • Skip Hire • Tank Cleaning Services

www.clearway-group.com Continued Best Wishes To McQuillan Companies From Best wishes to all at McQuillan Companies, from

PLANT AND MACHINERY REPAIR SERVICE G&G Ross, 185 Kempstone Road, Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1UF Tel: 0751 5659567 or 00353 866082355

www.gg-ross.co.uk

Best Wishes To McQuillan Companies, From

“Dedicated To Service Of The Highest Quality”

‘Drumarin' 17 Loughbrickland Rd Gilford, Craigavon, Co. Armagh BT63 6BJ Tel: 028 3883 1384

www.afdavison.com

MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIERS OF NEW & USED • STATIC COMPACTORS • PORTABLE COMPACTORS • SKIPS & ROLL ON’S • FORK TIP SKIPS • BALERS TEMPLEHILL RD., NEWRY, CO. DOWN BT34 2LS Tel: (028) 302 68332 • Fax: (028) 302 52828 E: michael@numac.co.uk

www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

reliability and exceptional service and is one of the North's leading civil engineering firms. The ability to diversify into many areas of the industry is a major plus for the company as they specialise in road construction and maintenance, surface treatments, car parks and environmental schemes, coastal and inland waterway works, demolition and sports pitches. “We would use our wide range of skills to carry out a number of diverse contracts and the experience that we have picked up over the years has enabled us to be involved in many of the North's biggest projects,” revealed Ronan. Most of John McQuillan (Contracts) work is carried out for DRD Roads Service, Central Procurement Directorate, various Local Councils and Education and Library Boards to name just a few of their clients. John McQuillan (Contracts) use a lot of quarry materials and these are sourced from their own two premises at Budore Quarry and Edentrillick Quarry Ltd, both of which are under the McQuillan Quarries umbrella. Each quarry is certified by ISO 9001:2008 which ensures that all products are produced to a very highest standard. Not only do the quarries provide for their own company's needs, but they also are the source for other companies as well as local authorities. “Major investment has taken place in both quarries in recent years and an Asphalt Coating plant resides on both sites. Budore also has a recycled asphalt product (RAP) facility which allows the blending of recycled materials, road planning's etc. with raw materials therefore providing a reduction in our carbon footprint and emissions to the IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To McQuillan Companies From

PO Box 100, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim BT38 OBN • Tel: (028) 93351444

Best Wishes To McQuillan Companies, From

C.McEVOY & SONS

Continued Best Wishes To McQuillan Companies From • • • • • • •

GENERAL HAULAGE TELEPHONE

07748 148714 54 Lurgantarry, Lurgan, Co. Armagh

Free site visits and quick quotes Specialists In Car Park Markings Factory Health & Safety Markings Coloured & Anti-Skid Surfacing Cycle Paths & Pedestrian Walkways ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 Accredited Member of Road Safety Marking Association

BPF Road Safety Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 28 44 831 831 Mobile: 07808262464

www.bpfroadsafety.co.uk

Continued Best Wishes To McQuillan Companies

ROAD PLANING T: 028 8775 8381 E: info@quinncontracts.com

KEARNS & MURTAGH LTD. SOLE HINO DEALERS FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

Newry, Co. Down BT35 6AU

T: +44 28 30265720 E: Pat.Murtagh@kearnsmurtagh.com

www.quinncontracts.com

BEST WISHES TO MCQUILLAN COMPANIES

To Book Advertising Space or enquire about completing a Feature please contact

COLM on 00 353 (0) 46 9241923 54

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

CONTACT DETAILS

provided as well as the provision of

environment.” McQuillan Companies look after their

the latest sampling rigs. All samples

own waste management and through

are

McQuillan Envirocare and McQuillan

controlled

Skip Hire; they provide a safe solution

processed immediately upon arrival at

in the disposal of hazardous and dry

the laboratory.”

waste. The former of the waste

transported

temperature

conditions

and

are

McQuillan Skip Hire concentrates on

management division is located in

the

Antrim in a state of the art facility that

materials for industrial companies,

can offer a tailored waste solution package to its wide range of customers that include the industrial sector, local authorities,

land

development

companies, government sectors and other businesses. “Through

the

disposal

hospitals

and

have

public

bodies

throughout Ireland. “Our skip hire plant is based at Budore quarry and we have a fleet of

have a wide range of skips for hire for domestic and commercial use.”

waste management industry and we fully

directives

compliant and

with

all

hazardous

waste

regulations in the UK and Ireland,”

In 2007, McQuillan Companies added Patterson Outdoor Cleaning Services Ltd. (POCSL) to the chain. This area of the company specialises

added Ronan. In recent times a state of the art Analytical Laboratory at their facility in Antrim and this allows them to carry out

the

outdoor

maintenance

premises for both the public and private sectors.

analytical testing and services in

“This is an area of the business that

relation to the waste management and

we have been developing and we

environmental regulatory requirements

would carry out work for some of the

local

North's biggest supermarkets such as

development

Tesco, Sainsburys and Marks &

government,

authorities,

land

industry,

Spencer, as well as many prestigious

companies and small business. “Full analysis of soil, water and waste-related

samples

can

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Edentrillick Quarries Ltd 17 Lagangreen Road Dromore Co. Down BT25 1EL Tel: 028 9269 2582 Fax: 028 9269 9244 Email: edentrillick@johnmcquillan.com

vehicles that offer a collection service

developed an expert knowledge of the

are

McQuillan Envirocare Ltd Caulside Drive Newpark Industrial Estate Antrim BT41 2DV Tel: 028 9446 6708 Fax: 028 9442 9580 Email: sales@mcquillanenvirocare.com

non-hazardous

across Northern Ireland. We also years

John McQuillan (Contracts) Ltd 11 Ballinderry Road Lisburn Co. Antrim BT28 2SA Tel: 028 9266 8831 Fax: 028 9266 8833 Email: contracts@johnmcquillan.com

commercial

properties

and

McQuillan Skip Hire Ltd 15 Sycamore Road Belfast Co. Antrim BT29 4JE Tel: 028 9082 5401 Fax: 028 9082 5988 Email: waste.management@johnmcquillan.com

Budore Quarries 15 Sycamore Road Belfast Co. Antrim BT29 4JE Tel: 028 9082 5888 Fax: 028 9082 5988 Email: budore@johnmcquillan.com

Pattersons Outdoor Cleaning Solutions 94-96 Hillsborough Rd Carryduff Belfast BT8 8HT Tel: 028 9081 5559 Fax: 028 Email: sales@pocsl.co.uk

government buildings.”

Travelling in style When people think about travelling on a coach or a bus, the immediate reaction is of a dreadful, long, uncomfortable journey, but times have changed dramatically in the coach industry and now passengers can be guaranteed the height of luxury.

ne Limerick company has emerged as a provider of one of the country's top coach hire firms as Mike Hynan Coaches has provided a top level service to a large customer base for 18 years now. Located in Cappamore, the company offers a wide range of services and for this month's edition of Irish Trucker, we speak to company managing director Mike Hynan about the success of the business and the changes in the industry over the past two decades. From humble beginnings, Mike Hynan Coaches has expanded on an almost annual basis as the fleet has grown from one mini bus to a mixed fleet of 15 vehicles. “I was actually working on the buildings operating a crane and at the same time I was driving a mini bus part time. I then decided to buy my own bus and went to England where I bought a 29 mini-seater coach,” revealed Mike. “I kept my old job on the cranes for a few years after until the business really started to take off and we needed to extend the fleet. At the time we would have done a lot of runs for GAA clubs, schools, rugby and soccer teams and I'm delighted to say some of those same customers are still with us today.” The list of services provided by Mike and his team is rivalled by very few as they include We offer the following services: Luxury Coach Hire, Mini Bus Hire, Wheelchair Accessible Coaches and Buses, Limousine Transfers, Fáilte Ireland Member, Itinerary advise, Transport Co-ordinators for large

events, International Licence Holder, Driver/Coach provision for overseas tours in Ireland, Coach Breakdown Service, Excursions, Staff Training, Contract Work, Ground Handling, Weddings, Hotel Transfers - College/ School Transport;

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Educational Tours; Pilgrimages; Concerts; Festivals; Parties - Short Breaks - City Tours - Department Outings - Incentive Trips - Site Tours and Corporate and Team Building. “We would provide a transport service for any event imaginable regardless of size. Word of mouth has been our best form of advertisement and we pride ourselves on providing the best service possible to our passengers. We are always looking for customers' feedback as we are continually trying to improve the service.” Mike Hynan Coaches is a family run business and this helps give passengers a more relaxed atmosphere as they travel

Best Wishes To Mike Hynan Coaches, From

Tyre Importer & Distributor DOCK ROAD, Limerick. Tel: 061-227088 Fax: 061-227461 RAHEEN, Limerick SHANNON, Clare

E: mwtaccounts@eircom.net Telephone: 061- 300240 Telephone: 061 - 364848

SUPPLIERS OF ALL LEADING MAKES OF TYRES AND BATTERIES SPECIALISTS IN TYRES • BATTERIES • EXHAUSTS • 4-WHEEL ALIGNMENT • BALANCING

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

There are 15 vehicles in the fleet

with the firm. Operating a park and ride facility in Limerick city has proven very successful also. “The park and ride is a huge success, while we also do a lot of work for the hotels transferring guests from to and forth from the hotels. We are pleased with the direction that the company is heading and hopefully we can continue the level of growth that we have experienced over the last number of years.”

CONTACT DETAILS Telephone: + 353 (0) 61 381700 Fax No: + 353 (0) 61 381965 Emergency Contact No: + 353 (0) 86 2500433 Email: mikehynancoaches@eircom.net Address: Mike Hynan Coach Services, Bilboa, Cappamore, Co Limerick Website: www.mikehynancoaches.ie

Agri without the aggro Over the last two decades, Joe Brady Contractors Ltd. has forged a reputation for itself as one of the premier agricultural plant contractors in the North East. More recently, the County Cavan based company has also expanded into providing some heavy haulage. Irish Trucker popped into the Cootehill base and had a word with Conor McMullan about the range of services on offer. 58

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ocated at Laragh, Cootehill, Joe Brady Contractors Ltd. specialises in providing a wide range of agricultural services, supplying both equipment and manpower. A comprehensive service is provided and no project is ever considered too big or too small. Joe is a hands-on proprietor and he and his team provide a personal service at all times. Over the years, they have become experts in their chosen field of activity, offering a professional service at affordable rates. This is why they are extremely popular not just throughout County Cavan but also in neighbouring counties and even IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

further afield. Conor McMullan, who has been part of the Joe Brady Contractors Ltd. crew for the past eight years, notes: “Joe set the business up in the 1990s. I suppose it was natural enough that he would become involved in the agricultural sector as he comes from a farming background himself. “His father would have been a small farmer here locally and Joe basically bought a couple of tractors and built the business up from there. He’s always provided an excellent service and that’s why the business has grown. There’s a good bit of demand and most of our equipment would all be out on hire at any given time.”

While the construction and haulage sectors have taken a battering since the Celtic Tiger keeled over and went belly-up, agriculture seems to be moving in the opposite direction. As such, Joe Brady would appear to be in the right line of work. There exists a very steady demand for agricultural plant hire and the Cootehill company’s proven track record for providing solutions leaves them in a strong position going forward. As Conor reveals, the multifaceted nature of the services provided has been instrumental in the success and popularity of Joe Brady Contractors Ltd. down through the years: “We look after all kinds of agricultural work from silage cutting, baling to ploughing machines, plant hire, diggers, civil engineering and we’re also doing a bit of haulage now as well. “All our equipment and vehicles are available for hire in the general Cavan, Monaghan and Meath area. This is a really busy time of the year for us and thankfully nearly everything is out at the moment.” Since turning their hand to haulage as well, the team at Joe Brady & Son has been even busier. So how did this departure come about? When did they decide that there was an opening in haulage? “We got into the haulage about seven years ago,” says Conor. “At present, we are operating a fleet of five lorries – three Scanias and two Volvos – and it’s going okay.” The haulage work is also agriculturerelated, predominantly encompassing slurry, bulk and low-loader work. Joe Brady also draws some fertiliser as well as some gravel and quarry work. Between the agri plant hire and the haulage, the company currently provides gainful employment to a crew of 20, which represents a significant boost to the local economy in these difficult economic times. By creating local employment as well as providing key services to the local community, Joe Brady Contractors Ltd. is proof positive that the entrepreneurial spirit is still very much alive and kicking in rural Ireland despite the lack of support of Irish businesses from banks and successive Governments. Joe Brady Contractors Ltd. is a family-run business with the founder's wife Debbie running things in the office. To make sure they never take

Continued Best Wishes To Joe Brady Contractors Ltd From

Multitech Design Ltd. PRESSURE VACUUM TANKS IN ALUMINIUM, STAINLESS & MILD STEEL

TOOLS & GARAGE EQUIPMENT LTD.

Tel: 049 43 30130 / 30959 Fax: 049 43 30043 Email: info@multitech-design.com

www.multitech-design.com Best Wishes To Joe Brady Contractors Ltd, From

Sylvan Tractor Spares One of Ireland’s leading suppliers of agricultural and tractor replacement parts AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS | VINTAGE TRACTORS| EARTHMOVING MACHINERY We also stock a variety of new and used tractors, excavators and other agricultural machinery. Sylvan Park, Kells, Co. Meath Tel +353 46 92 41178 | Fax +353 46 92 49259 www.sylvanparts.com

Bawnboy, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan. Tel/Fax: 049-9523967 Mobile: 087-9883812 Contact 087 1688 055 AFTER HOURS ENQUIRIES WELCOME

www.howdentools.ie

Best Wishes To Joe Brady Contractors Ltd, From

DUFFY COMMERCIALS

CAVAN WINDSCREEN CENTRE LTD

COMMERCIAL TEST CENTRE BODYSHOP & WORKSHOP FACILITIES BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY SERVICE Killycramph, Cootehill, Co. Cavan. Tel: 049-5552342 Mobile: 087-4159763 Email: country160@eircom.net

T/A Mr Windscreen Full Stock for Plant, Tractor, Cars & Commercials Unit 5, Kilmore Business Park, Dublin Rd., Cavan Sales & Fitting Service • Mobile Service Direct Billing To Insurance Companies Tel: (049) 4332777 • Fax: (049) 4371543 Mobile: (087) 2536107

WOULD YOU LIKE YOUR COMPANY FEATURED IN

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS MAGAZINE Call BARRY now on 00353 60

(0) 46 9241923 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

their eye off the ball, the pair have two kids - Danny (four) and Lauren (two)! Looking to the future, Conor McMullan says that, while nothing can be certain in the current climate, he is optimistic that the company can continue to weather the economic storm. In a story that will be familiar to most businesses, he points out that collecting credit is one of the most difficult tasks of all: “As long as the money keeps coming in, then we should be able to keep the show on the road,” he notes. “It’s no problem getting the work but you have to make sure you get paid as well. But things are good enough at the minute. As I’ve said, this is a busy time of year and we’re being kept on our toes. But you can’t take you eye off the ball. You take it from week to week, there’s no room for complacency. At the moment, we’re taking each week as it comes. We’re just going to keep concentrating on doing what we do best and hopefully that will be enough to keep us ticking over.” All the equipment is sourced locally through Leinster Farm Machinery, Meath Farm Machinery, Martins Garages and Clarke Machinery. “We can provide the equipment and a driver and will do the work on a subcontract basis,” Conor concludes. “We have our own workshop here with a mechanic and all the maintenance and repair work is carried IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

out in-house. All the machines would be relatively-new – that’s the only way you can make sure that the job is done properly. We use modern equipment and we look after it properly. The oldest model in the fleet at the moment would be ’08. “We also use experienced, competent operators and our service is second to none.” A whole host of satisfied customers would readily agree!

CONTACT DETAILS Joe Brady Contractors Ltd. Agri Plant Contractors & Heavy Haulage, Carrisknashoke, Tullyco, Cootehill, County Cavan. Tel: 049 4330202 Mobile: 086 8389865 Email: joebradycontractors@eircom.net

Steady recovery

As the company name suggests, Recovery24 provides an excellent 24-hour breakdown / recovery service (and lots more besides!) in the greater Dublin, Meath, Kildare and Wicklow areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and beyond. Irish Trucker popped into the well-known recovery operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s well-appointed new base at Dunboyne, just off the N3 / M50, and had a chat with co-founder Wojciech Szopinski about the services provided and the success of the company to date.

ecovery24 is a professional, low-cost vehicle recovery and transportation business, covering Dublin and surrounding counties. With vast experience of the vehicle recovery industry, this family business offers a nationwide service operating 24 hours a day ... and at very reasonable rates. Both private and motor trade customers are catered for in a professional and friendly manner, with no account needed. Recovery24 is a 100% reliable, punctual and fully-insured vehicle breakdown / recovery company with an unrivalled record in safety. They can handle all types and sizes of vehicles, from motorbikes and passenger cars to large HGVs, tractors and buses.

The state-of-the-art, hard-working Recovery24 fleet is maintained to the highest possible standards and kept clean and presentable at all times - reflecting the swift and professional service provided. The full range of expert services available includes vehicle towing, crash recovery, truck towing and recovery, roadside repairs, fuel removal, wheel changes, battery jumpstarts, roadside puncture repairs, fuel delivery, vehicle lock-outs, mobile tyre changes, long-distance towing and haulage of plant & farm machinery as well as - from the workshop - preNCT inspections, clutch and brake repairs, vehicle servicing, engine work, mobile battery fitting and new and part-worn tyres. IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

All services are offered on a 24-hour basis and all operators are trained to the highest industry standards, the Recovery24 fleet including two tilt and slides for easy and damage-free loading during roadside assistance, a dedicated mobile tyre service van, one small roadside assistance van and one specialist heavy recovery unit for larger vehicles. The breakdown / recovery service covers Dublin and surrounding counties, but the company – which was established by father and son Stanley and Wojciech Szopinski in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, five years ago but relocated to nearby Dunboyne in January of this year – is fully-licensed to operate nationwide. With trucks located strategically around the capital, Recovery24 can arrive on the scene within 30 minutes of receiving the SOS call. This rapid response time IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ensures that clients get back on the road as quickly as possible. As well as all of county Dublin, Recovery24 also goes as far as Drogheda, Ashbourne, Ratoath, Navan, Kells, Maynooth, Kilcock, Enfield, Naas, Kildare, Bray, Wicklow etc. etc. They can also collect any car or commercial vehicle from any part of the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Fully-trained by the International Federation of Recovery Specialists, they are also authorised and approved to collect from motorways. The directors go to great lengths to ensure that all their operatives are fully-trained and kept up to speed with all industry developments and requirements. The fleet is comprehensively-insured and tracking systems are installed. For customer convenience, when it comes to payment – which certainly won’t cost you an arm and a leg! – all major credit cards are accepted as well as Paypal. “Myself and my father Stanley set the company up in 2007 and we provide a complete 24-hour recovery / breakdown service,” Wojciech Szopinski confirms. “With our mobile call-outs we can provide rapid roadside assistance and we can rescue and repair literally any vehicle from a motorbike, van or car up to the largest HGV. The heavy recovery unit we purchased last year also enables us to recover larger vehicles such as tractors and buses.” Wojciech admits that – like virtually every other company out there operating in the transport sector at present – Recovery24 is feeling the pinch of the economic crisis currently gripping the island: “Business can be up and down. There are no guarantees and you just take it one day at a time. But we’re kept going. We’re certainly not as busy as we used to be because people simply don’t want to spend money anymore. Our rates are extremely competitive but I suppose people are trying to avoid paying for anything… “With our recovery vehicles parked at various locations around the city, we guarantee very fast response times all over Dublin and there’s no job we can’t handle. As well as the two 7.5 tonne tilt and slide vehicles, we also have a specialist Transit-sized van which allows us access to underground car parks etc., the mobile tyre unit and the mobile battery unit which doubles up as a fuel delivery / fuel removal

Recovery 24 covers Dublin and the surrounding counties

vehicle. And, if a vehicle has to be brought back to Dublin, we will go anywhere we have to go – be it Belfast or Cork.” The reason why Recovery24’s services are so popular is quite simple, really. At the end of the day, it all comes down to providing a quality service: “We do the job right. That has been our way since the very first day,” Wojciech notes. “We also place a big emphasis on training our staff and we have a large, secure storage facility with CCTV and full security measures in place.”

Continued Success To All At Recovery24 from

Looking to the future, Wojciech concludes: “If things continue the way they have been going, then I would be happy enough. We are not making millions out of this, but we are doing okay. We are getting our name out there and we’re always looking at new ways to improve our service. “We’re hoping to start working with insurance companies soon and we’ve also introduced a self-service area on our website where members can get discounts and can log in anytime and input their details, what the problem is and where exactly their vehicle is and we will respond to that immediately. “We’re here to provide whatever services our customers require and that’s what we’re going to keep doing.”

CONTACT DETAILS Recovery24, Summerhill Road, Dunboyne, County Meath. Tel: 085 1026629 or 085 7894257 Email: info@recovery24.ie www.recovery24.ie

HUGHES RECOVERY Best Wishes To Recovery24

Call Hughes Recovery For A Professional 24 Hour Service Call anytime: 365 days 24/7

Phone Mark on 086 - 0875730 or e-mail : info@markraffertytransport.com 64

James Hughes 087-7668297 Noel Hughes 087-1314353 Office: 045-891122 E: hughesrecoveryblessington@gmail.com www.hughesrecovery.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Making its ‘mark! In just two years, Truckmark Ltd has established itself as one of the country’s leading truck and trailer components suppliers. Sean Tumilty explains more about his Newry-based company.

ooking for a part or accessory for your truck or trailer? If so, look no further than Truckmark which stocks a complete range of components, ranging from lights and mirrors to electric coils and reversing camera systems. Established in 2010 by Sean Tumilty, IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

who has 25 years’ experience in the industry, Truckmark are truck and trailer component wholesalers supplying HGV operators throughout Ireland and the UK. The company stocks all the major brands and offers a next-day Ireland & UK pallet/carton delivery service as well as various worldwide delivery services.

Customers can call into Truckmark’s parts centre in Carnbane Business Park, Newry, Co. Down or chat online to a member of their sales team who have a vast knowledge of all products in stock and who will be only too happy to offer advice and support. “We stock a full range of quality truck

and trailer parts and accessories,” Sean explains. “We have a large range of products for all makes of trucks, including Scania, DAF, Mercedes, Iveco, Volvo and MAN. We stock only the leading brands of lights, mirrors and safety equipment. Our range of mirrors is so comprehensive that we can supply mirrors dating back to 1995. We have a next-day distribution network throughout Ireland and the UK, and can deliver to customers all over the world.” A family-run business which employs four staff, Truckmark has established a tradition of value-for-money, reliability and total dedication to customer service. While one of its big selling points is its location just off the M1 between Belfast and Dublin, Truckmark is attracting more and more customers online. The full range of parts and accessories are available to view on www.truckmark.co.uk “A lot of our customers are buying directly from our website. It’s the way things are going and an area we are trying to develop more,” says Sean, who ran another truck parts business with his late father Peter for many years. “Our location is obviously a big help to

us. We are just two minutes off the M1 and are just 50 minutes from Dublin and 40 minutes from Belfast. We are easily accessible to customers from both north and south of the border.” Truckmark supplies parts and accessories to a diverse range of customers, including SDC Trailers in Toomebridge, Co. Antrim and Surefreight in Newry. “We are very lucky to have some great customers and

appreciate all the support they give us,” Sean adds. Truckmark stocks a full range of lights, including light bars, LED trailer lights, fog lights, combination lights, driving lights and work lights, rotating beacons, head lamps, indicator lights, side lights and lens covers. Mirrors stocked include blind side mirrors, main mirrors, roof mirrors, twin mirrors and wide-angle mirrors. Truck marking products in stock include ECE104 Reflective Tape, Reflective tape, BS Marker Boards, ECE70 Marker Boards, ADR Hazard Signs and Hazchem Boards, Abnormal Load Signs and other marking systems. Also stocked are air brake coils and electrical coils, mud flaps, mud guards, mounting brackets, automotive cabling, nylon air brake tubing, reversing and CCTV cameras, reversing alarms, HGV customisation, safety and security, general HGV accessories, licence and tax licence and tax disc holders. “All our brands are the leading ones in the industry,” Sean continues. “We stock Hella lights, 3M reflective tape, AVR safety equipment, Unitruck mirrors, Brigade electronics, Britech work lamps and Boydell & Jacks mudguards. All our products are household names in the industry.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

With the country still in the grip of recession and fuel costs at an all-time high, Sean admits it’s a difficult time for truck owners and hauliers. “It a tough, tough business to be in at the moment. As well as having to deal with the recession, transport companies have to deal with ever-increasing diesel prices which are putting them to the pin of their collar. But all that anyone can do is keep going and try to hang in there. If truckers are struggling, it will impact on us. Hopefully things will pick up shortly. “Overall, we are very pleased with the progress

we’ve made in just two years. As long as our customers can be assured of a top-quality product at the most competitive rate, they will keep coming back to us.”

CONTACT DETAILS Truckmark - Online Truck & Trailer Component Suppliers in the UK & Ireland Unit 9, Carnbane Business Park Newry, Co. Down BT35 6QH 028 3025 2550 Opening hours: 8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday

Continued Best Wishes To Truckmark Ltd From

N.W. Kehoe & Sons QUALITY NEW & USED VEHICLES

We offer a fine selection of new, nearly-new and high quality used prestige cars from marques such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Lexus to name but a few. 18 Patrick Street, Newry, Co. Down BT35 8EB Telephone: (028) 3026 3193 Fax: (028) 3026 7749 Email:sales@nwkehoe.com www.nwkehoe.com

Brigade’s range of leading edge safety systems assist both driver and cyclist. Side sensors detect obstacles alongside the vehicle giving an audible signal to the driver, whist an external speaking alarm warns cyclists and pedestrians of the vehicle’s intended left turn. Combined with a camera monitor system including side view camera, vision and awareness in the near side blind spot are greatly improved.

Wishing Continued Success To Truckmark Ltd From

Supplier of Spares To Suit DAF - SCANIA - VOLVO - BPW -ROR 76 Clonfeacle Road, Blackwater Town, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 7HP

Tel: 048 37549575 • Fax: 048 37548883 Mobile: 07710 377099 Email: info@hughestruckspares.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

CMP is tops for road services Established in 2001 and with offices in Cork and Dublin, CMP Road Planing is Ireland’s leading road planing and sweeping company. Director John Crean explains more.

tarting out with two road sweepers 11 years ago, business partners John Crean and John McHugh have grown CMP Road Planing into a thriving company whose services are availed of by customers nationwide. Specialising in road planing, sweeping and jet washing, CMP has successfully completed numerous projects for local Government bodies, County Councils, civil engineering companies and supermarkets throughout Ireland. The

company currently operates a fleet of seven planers and 14 road sweepers, and employs 25 highly qualified and experienced staff who are committed to providing a top-quality service. CMP uses the most modern equipment on all projects, ensuring work of the high standard that is completed in the most efficient and timely manner. The company prides itself on meeting and exceeding its customers’ requirements, providing an unrivalled, reliable and value-for-money service at

all times. “We set up the business in October 2001, having both come from engineering backgrounds,” John Crean recalls. “We started off providing a road sweeping service before branching into road planing in 2006. It was a natural progression, really. John (McHugh) is a Sligo man and I’m from Kerry, but he’s running our Dublin office now and I’m running the one in Cork. Some of our equipment is based in Cork, some of it is IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

based in Cork and the rest is based in Clare, which is a good location because it enables us to service the surrounding counties of Limerick, Tipperary and Galway.” CMP boasts a client list that includes the NRA (National Roads Authority), Lagan, Roadstone, Coffey Construction, BAM Construction as well as several local authorities. While the company hasn’t been immune from the recession, it has consolidated much of its business by offering a high level of service and commitment to its customers. “We were very busy during the Celtic Tiger years when there were a lot of road building projects taking place. But we haven’t suffered to the same as some of our competitors because we’re more of a road maintenance company than a road building company. But there is a definite trend towards more seasonal work – April to November is by far our busiest period,” John continues. “The work that we do is very specialised, especially road planing. A three-man crew is needed on every job to operate a truck, road sweeper and drag trailer.” Road planers provide the speed of delivery, level of precision and accuracy that are not possible using older methods. Road planers are ideally suited to a wide range of projects, including accurate milling of tarmac/hra, profile planing as required, trench reinstatement (not less than one metre in width), precision milling or base courses in preparation for wearing course, etc. No matter what the requirement, CMP have the road sweeping solution. CMP operates state-of-the-art Johnston C200 and VT650 Road Sweepers which are supplied by Martin Burke of Westpark Motor Company on Dublin’s Kylemore Road. Built for simplicity, performance and operator comfort, the Johnston C200 Sweepers give unbelievable power and productivity in a small, maneuverable machine. Small dimensions and a short wheelbase allow excellent maneuverability around street furniture, parked cars and other obstacles, giving maximum productivity and clearance efficiency. The Johnston VT650 Sweeper is designed to meet the requirements of the most demanding municipal and contractor applications. It is ideally suited to heavier duty work sites such as road planing and dirt pick-up around construction sites and access roads. The VT650 also comes fully equipped with wanderhose (gully sucker), powascrub (wide sweep brush), supawash (power hose) and simultaneous sweeping. The wanderhose is a rigid turntable-mounted hose that enables cleaning over a 3.35m wide radius. Supawash is a high pressure water system for fast cleaning of road furniture and the machine itself via a hose and hand lance. Simultaneous sweeping allows dual sweep machines to deploy both channel brushes and nozzles simultaneously to achieve a maximum width of 3.6m. While CMP’s road sweepers are sufficient in most cases, for thorough cleaning between surfacing layers the only route to achieving the desired result is high pressure water jetting in advance of sweeping. This activity is catered for by an in-house development that sees a standard tanker IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Continued Best Wishes To CMP Road Planing, From

O’Connor Pyne & Co CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS REGISTERED AUDITORS

A proactive and value centred service

to exceed the expectations of all our clients

SERVICES Audit & Statutory Accounts Financial Outsourcing & Contracting Services Company Secretarial Business Advisory and Corporate Finance Payroll & Employment Law

“Contact us for tax advice on your fleet large or small” Joyce House, Barrack Square, Ballincollig

T: 021 481 0080 | F: 021 481 0035 E: info@oconnorpyne.com

www.oconnorpyne.com Continued Best Wishes To CMP Road Planing, From

“Professional Safety with a practical approach”

IRELAND LTD. PLANT & MACHINERY | SALES & REPAIRS PLANT | AGRI HYDRAULIC HOSES

Provides a comprehensive range of Health & Safety services nationwide at very competitive rates

SHELL LUBRICANTS | MANN & DONALDSON FILTERS

Coolmona, Donoughmore, Co Cork

E: clivekelly@clivekelly.ie

www.clivekelly.ie

CONTACT BILLY WALSH

Wishing CMP Road Planing Continued Success In The Future

T: 00353 21 7337476 | E:mactraxireland@gmail.com M: 00353 21 87 2653886 | 00353 87 2337348

Continued Best Wishes To CMP Road Planing, From

Best Wishes To CMP Road Planing, From

Westpark Motor Co. Ltd. Kylemore Park West, Dublin 10 T: 01 6266152 F: 01 6231318 E: info@westparkmotors.ie www.westparkmotors.ie

SALES - SERVICE - PARTS

Jim Carroll Plant Hire Ltd

ALL TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION PLANT FOR HIRE

Light & Heavy Goods DOE Testing & Tachograph Calibration 70

Jim 087 2527700 | Kevin 087 2844964 James 087 6685811 Email: jimcarrollplant@gmail.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

capabilities, CMP’s jet washer converted as the ideal host vehicle for such a unit. Based can perform cleaning on a Daf 75 4 x 2 truck, the operations on vertical 13,000 litre tanker is linked to surfaces through a unique a front mounted spray bar that side-mounted spray bar. accommodates a row of 16 “There has been a big jets, through which water is demand for our jet washing dispersed over the road service since the new surface at pressures as high motorways were opened. It’s as 3000psi. a growing part of our With its impressive capacity, business,” John concludes. the tanker facilitates high pressure cleaning of a vast CONTACT DETAILS area as the rate of flow sees 15 litres per CMP Road Planing minute dispensed Cork Office through each jet. In Grange, addition to these Killumney, Ovens, Co. Cork. Contact: John Crean Mob: 086 6000446 Tel: 021 4810597 Fax: 021 4810614 Email: jcrean@cmproadplaning.ie Dublin Office Contact: John McHugh Mob: 086 6000447 Tel: 01 6211802 Fax: 01 - 621 1802 Email: jmchugh@cmproadplaning.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

L2L Logistics prides itself on the quality of service it provides to customers

L2L Logistics - for all your storage and distribution needs Since 2004, L2L Logistics has been providing top-class distribution and logistics services. Richard Lindsay Jnr explains more about the busy family-run company which operates just a stone’s throw away from Dublin city centre.

2L Logistics Ltd is a well-established company specializing in storage, haulage and distribution, based in the heart of Dublin. Flexibility and innovative solutions have kept L2L to the forefront of its market. Indeed, a strong emphasis on quality, reliability and customer service has enabled the family-run company to grow and prosper, in spite of the global recession and soaring fuel costs. Boasting a modern fleet of Scania articulated trucks and 30,000 square feet of storage capacity in Glasnevin, L2L is ideally equipped and located to service the needs of the city and country. “Our location is one of our biggest selling points,” enthuses Richard Lindsay, whose father – also Richard – set up the

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

company eight years ago. “We are based in Dublin Industrial Estate which is located directly opposite to Glasnevin Cemetery on the main N2 vein into the city. It’s actually the closest Industrial Estate to the city centre, so that gives us a big advantage over our rivals straight away. In addition, we are just minutes away from Dublin Port Tunnel, the M50 and Dublin Airport, so we can be easily accessed from any part of Ireland. “We have a long and proven track record in this business and pride ourselves on the quality of services we provide to all of our customers.” Richard explains the background to L2L: “It grew out of another company of ours, Mail Marketing (Dublin) Ltd, which my father set up in 1989 and quickly became market leader in its field, before selling it on a number of years later. We retained the logistics side of the business which became L2L Logistics in 2004. We now also offer a haulage and distribution service, which has been going quite well for us. As a company that comes from a background of success, we endeavour to provide a service that best suits our client’s individual needs. “With 30,000 square feet of storage space and a modern fleet of trucks and curtainside trailers, which are both operated by a fully qualified staff base, we aim to carry on the

family tradition and become one of the market leaders in this area.” With its impressive storage space, L2L can make light work of all your storage pick ‘n’ pack and distribution needs, no matter how big or small. The facility offers the following: 3,500 pallet spaces; product pick and pack fulfilment; kit assembly; order processing via our on-line system, email, fax, phone; narrow aisle racking system; computerised location of pallets; secure loading and unloading area; haulage/distribution (artic and rigid); track and trace; proof of delivery. “We store anything from food, drinks and grocery, hardware, POS marketing material, stationary, promotional magazines and files,” Richard explains. “It’s mainly a pallet storage facility but we do some bulk storage as well. A lot of companies – ranging from food and drink to marketing firms to car importers and government bodies – use us because of our location and excellent service. If you have a product, it’s an ideal place from which to distribute it. Not a lot of people would know that we’re also the main warehouse for the Golden Pages phonebook. The distributors are in and out of here from August to mid-October every year delivering books to all parts of the country.” The warehouse management system used by L2L Logistics is Azyra, which has clients in countries throughout the world, including Ireland, the UK, China, USA, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, Holland and Belgium. The system can handle a company’s entire business in a superbly designed Microsoft SQL Server database. With remarkable ease, Azyra meets the needs of the largest freight groups while offering the affordability demanded by the smaller operator. It handles everything seamlessly – all the way from prospects through quotations, customer management to freight and logistics. “We had the Azyra system installed two-and-a-half years ago and since then there has been a notable increase in our productivity and output. Thanks to this system, our customers know exactly where they stand when it comes to tracking and tracing their product. Not only has it helped us to maintain business, it has helped us to capture new business, so we’re very pleased with it,” Richard says. L2L currently provides a professional and reliable distribution service nationwide. Most of their transport work is carried out on behalf of freight forwarders, bulk importers, retail companies, state companies and hardware providers. Asked if L2L service the UK Richard explains, “It’s a side of the business we have some experience in but we are trying to expand into further. Should the right opportunities be found, we can offer that service. It’s a fiercely competitive business, but you will get the work if you can give the customers what they want and I think that’s why our customer-base is growing all the time.” One of L2L Logistics’ most valued business partners is Aramex International, who are delighted to be associated with them. “We have an excellent working relationship with L2L going back over many years and I would like to wish them L2L Logistics boasts a 30,000sq ft storage capacity and a fleet of modern trucks

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The company offers a nationwide distribution service

continued success in the future,” Aramex Transport Manager Willie Brophy said. Aiden Cullen of TMS is also fulsome in his praise of L2L: “We have been using them for nearly four years and find them very good, very helpful and very reliable. They provide an excellent service and are always willing to go the extra mile.” Jimmy Duffy of Leyden’s Cash & Carry has been dealing with Richard Lindsay and L2L for eight years. During this time his business has increased by 100 per cent, which is a sound testament to the service provided. “We use L2L for all our storage and logistics – up to 2,500 pallets,” Jimmy says. “Richard runs a very professional service and is an excellent business partner.” Richard is extremely appreciative of the business L2L Logistics Ltd has and continues to

receive from its customers. He is also glowing in his praise of the company’s 10strong staff. “On behalf of my father, my mother Anna-Maria – who has also played an important part in the growth of our business – I would like to extend a big thank you to all our customers, staff and suppliers. Without their help and support, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” he concludes.

Best Wishes To L2L Logistics

CONTACT DETAILS L2L Logistics Ltd, 117-118 Bann Road, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11. Telephone: +353 1 830 8666 Mobile: +353 87 687 8244 Fax: +353 1 830 8668 Email: richard.lindsay@l2llogistics.ie Website: www.l2llogistics.ie

Wishing Continued Success To L2L Logistics From

Callan Stringer & Co CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS 66 West Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Telephone: 041 98 36816 Fax: 041 98 34478 Email: tstringer@callanstringer.com 74

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Thirty years of unrivalled service M&T Plant Hire Ltd are the leading specialists in septic tank emptying in the South-East. But the Enniscorthy-based company has many more strings to its bow as operations manager Pa Redmond explains.

stablished 32 years ago by Tom Murray, who has remained managing director to this day, M&T Plant Hire initially specialised in hiring out waste water treatment equipment. But the company quickly evolved into one of the country’s largest and most successful septic tank and drain cleaning businesses. Today, M&T Plant Hire employs 23 people who are based in Davidstown, Enniscorthy, from where they provide an

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unrivalled service in counties Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wicklow. The company, which has suboffices in Waterford and Carlow, aims to provide a service that is fast, fair and efficient. M&T’s experienced, friendly and highly-skilled staff treat their customers with the utmost respect and are dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the business. Also specialising in civil engineering, CCTV surveying, sludge disposal, water

leak detection and traffic management, M&T’s customers include private households, contractors, engineers, property developers, local authorities and government departments. “There’s a lot of competition out there, but we have maintained our position as the leading company of our kind in the South East through offering a value-formoney service that is second to none,” M&T operations managing Pa Redmond says.

Ronan Furlong

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Wright O’Leary Insurances Ltd 61 Main Street, Gorey, Co. Wexford Tel: 053 942 2400 Fax: 053 942 2402 SPECIALISTS IN WASTE RECYCLING INSURANCE Wright O’Leary Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

Best Wishes & Continued Success To M&T Plant Hire Ltd From

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Donanore, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Tel: 053 92 33593 Fax: 053 92 33368 Email: windmillautos@eircom.net Best Wishes To M&T Plant Hire Ltd, From

Bailey & Associates. Certified Public Accountants & Registered Auditors

‘Avila’, Enniscorthy Road, Ferns, Co. Wexford T: 053 9366866 F: 053 9366803 E: enquiries@baileyassociates.ie

TO BOOK ADVERTISING SPACE or enquire about completing a Feature please contact COLM on 00 353 (0) 46 9241923 76

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“Most of our customers are repeat, which is always a good sign. We offer a 24-hour callout service and have a wide customer-base, ranging from private households to government departments such as the HSE and OPW, to local authorities. The County Councils were carry out work for are: Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow.” When M&T Plant Hire empties a septic tank, it does a full inspection to ensure it is operating to its maximum capability. An average household of four people and with a 1,500 gallon septic tank M&T Plant Hire in Enniscorthy should have their tank cleaned out at least once every three years. Mindful that time is of the safety management systems ensures essence, the company offers a 24-hour that M&T Plant Hire protects the health response unit for emergency calls out and safety of employees, customers, (phone 087-2212535). For non- contractors and any members of the public who come into contact with the emergencies, please call 053-9244654. In addition, M&T can clean any size of company’s activities. M&T Plant Hire has invested heavily in drain using a range of equipment. A combination of vacuum tankers and its plant and facilities down the years jetting units can be used, while a range and recently opened a new state-of-theof pressures from 2,000 PSI to 4,000 art composting treatment facility in PSI can be applied to clean the most Davidstown, with Charlie Rochford as stubborn obstacle. Solutions are also operations manager, where all domestic available for root and grease removal. and commercial waste products are M&T specialise in dealing with the converted to compost. M&T remove, catering industry and other institutions transport and dispose of sewage sludge that conform to HACCP (Hazard from septic tanks, treatment plants and Analysis Critical Control Points) policy, a municipal waste water facilities. The vital prerequisite for consumer sludge is then treated in accordance protection in today’s environment, as with EU best practice, pasteurising the well as GHP (Good Hygiene Practice). material to produce quality compost that Boasting a large fleet of specialised is environmentally safe. trucks, M&T is committed to maintaining The company has been involved in civil the highest standards of health and engineering works for over 20 years. safety throughout all of its activities. The Tom Murray and his staff work closely company has put in place the with their clients and have built up a professional policies, procedures and reputation for being flexible and reliable. training to ensure that all employees Another service offered is CCTV adhere to these systems and that all analysis. M&T’s sewer surveys are work is carried out to the standards reported on a specialist computer required. package – Wincam – which produces The implementation of its health and DVDS providing standard classification,

coding, analysis and photos. Annotated digital maps and reports of all gradings, connections and other information can also be provided to anyone who wishes to see at a glance the true state of affairs. M&T are committed to helping customers reduce costly water loss through finding leaks in pipelines and repairing them as quickly as possible. Using the most up-to-date technology, such as electronic ground microphones, the company can pinpoint the problem areas and quickly work towards a solution to fix the problem. The Enniscorthy-based company also offers a traffic management service. Before any work begins, it completes a traffic management plan. Only those qualified under the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) can complete the detailed plan. The traffic management plan details the layout of the road and the layout of the roadwork signs. A Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP) contains a detailed account of the equipment needed so that everything is in place before the work commences. A Site Specific Method Statement is also completed. M&T is proud of the consistent level of traffic management which is evident in all of its projects.

CONTACT DETAILS

The friendly reception area

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M&T Plant Hire Ltd Ballinvary, Davidstown, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. Telephone 053-9244654 Email: info@mtplanthire.ie Website: www.mtplanthire.ie

Furnishing customers with a stellar service

Over the past 33 years, W.S. Dennison Ltd. has evolved into Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s No.1 furniture distribution specialist. Operating a fleet of 25 units, the thriving family business employs a total of 50 people from its depots in Antrim and Limerick. Irish Trucker popped into the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s northern base to get an insight into this extraordinary success story from Pamela Dennison, daughter of co-founder William.

.S. Dennison was established in 1979 with a workforce of just two - William Dennison and Liam Taggart, who remain as the backbone of this family-run business today. From a modest but enthusiastic beginning, the company has developed and expanded organically into Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier furniture distribution specialist. A friendly, professional delivery service

is offered, with furniture being the only product handled. Goods can be collected from manufacturers throughout the UK mainland or alternatively delivered directly into the W.S. Dennison warehouse from the manufacturer. These goods are then routed for delivery from operating centres in Antrim and Limerick directly to households throughout Ireland via a

dedicated specialist two-man home delivery operation. W.S. Dennison boasts two purposebuilt warehouses in Antrim and Limerick, incorporating a total of 50,000 sq. ft. A complete service is offered, including dedicated warehousing and stock management, quality control, customer care, and data on delivery performance. Both warehouses were purpose-built in IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

2005 incorporating the latest state-of-the-art equipment. All facilities have 24-hour security (CCTV and motion sensor alarms) and restricted access, ensuring total protection for customers. The combination of peace of mind and cost-effective storage is second to none. Multiple storage areas increase floor space anticipated for a large turnaround of furniture and fully-operational hydraulic ramps guarantee easy access of loading and unloading vehicles. Needless to say, in this line of work, the fleet is absolutely paramount. The County Antrim headquartered furniture delivery specialist operates a fleet of fifteen 7.5 tonne rigids, two 3.5 tonners for areas that are more difficult to access and eight artics. Pamela Dennison, daughter of co-founder William, notes: “Everything is made to exact specification for us as we only carry furniture and the trucks in the fleet have to be custombuilt. They are all plated for a maximum weight of 28 tonne, which is unique, and we don’t use tail-lifts, which we find to be hazardous. Instead, we use only 26-foot dropframe trailers, which is also unique.” All vehicles include furniture blankets and ties to ensure safe transit of furniture. They all have built-in satellite navigation trackers so that management is aware of their position 24/7. Regarding the make-up of the fleet, Pamela continues: “We predominantly ran DAF for a long time but with the times changing William and Liam analysed the way forward and have decided to go with Volvo from now on. We’ve just added four more Volvos to the fleet – two brand-new units and two second-hand ones.” Reflecting on the genesis of W.S. Dennison Ltd., Pamela comments: “The roots of the company go back to when William owned his own furniture shop and used to deliver his own furniture. He got enquiries about doing home deliveries and started to do more of those. As he developed a name for himself as a specialist in delivering furniture, manufacturers began to get in touch asking him to collect and distribute throughout Ireland. “The shop was closed and they became furniture distributors exclusively. Liam and William – who had driven lorries on the roads of Ireland for so long that they knew them inside-out - were the two drivers in the early days but the business has grown substantially over the years to become a limited company and we now employ up to 50, with the head office here in Antrim and a second base opened at Annacotty in Limerick in 2005.” W.S. Dennison Ltd. specialises in retail and home delivery furniture distribution, working for both retailers and manufacturers. They hold the contract to deliver in Ireland for Marks and Spencer but also deliver on behalf of the likes of Harveys, B&Q and Tesco through the manufacturers. W.S. Dennison is the premier furniture distributor on the island of Ireland, with approximately 75% of the business conducted south of the border. Typically, a two-man crew is required for furniture delivery – one driver and one assistant who can help out with assembly etc. “We offer full assembly of beds and furniture and we will also dispose of the packaging on the customer’s behalf,” Pamela notes. “Our drivers are multiskilled – they would have carpentry skills as well as being expert HGV operators and they would be skilled in hundreds of IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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different types and varieties of furniture. “We are a customer-orientated business and we always go that extra mile to make sure that both the customer and our partners are fully happy with the service provided. As well as having a damage rate of just 0.1%, we also offer the best value for money.” How difficult is it to get the balance right between providing a quality

service and setting the price of that service, especially bearing in mind that diesel costs have gone through the roof and margins are vanishing across the transport sector? “It’s very difficult. But you have to try to operate a lean business and we have trained our staff to try to counteract the rising costs through lower fuel consumption and moreefficient driving techniques. In this respect, the new trucks are paying for themselves. “Being located on an island, we are also at the mercy of rising shipping rates and these simply have to be paid. You have to pass these increases on because there’s no point working for nothing, but we do 5 Mallusk Drive, Newtownabbey strive at all times to Tel: TOM @ 0777-4155166 give our customers OFFICE @ 028-90342536 the best service and email: jftrucks@btconnect.com the best value for

Best wishes to W.S. Dennison Ltd, from

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money.” Looking to the future, Pamela concludes on a suitably positive note: “I’d like to think we can continue to expand. But we’re not going to take any risks or jump too far ahead. We will continue to grow our customer lists and fine-tune the operation further before moving forward. “We are going well but it hasn’t all been plain sailing. Like most businesses, we have come through difficult times but we’ve got to where we are today by offering an excellent service. And that’s what we will always do.”

CONTACT DETAILS W.S. Dennison Ltd. Unit 5A, Rathenraw Industrial Estate, Antrim. BT41 2SJ Tel: 0044 (0) 28 9446 5108 Fax: 0044 (0) 28 9446 5118 Email: ws.dennison@btinternet.com http://www.wsdennison.com

Tour of duty This year, Flavins Bus & Car Hire in Listowel, County Kerry celebrates its 21st anniversary. With a superb fleet, excellent staff and a thoroughly professional approach, the family-owned and –operated business has been servicing the people of North Kerry with distinction since its inception in 1991. Irish Trucker paid a visit to the company base at Mevoo, Lisselton and got the rundown from founder / managing director Pat Flavin.

lavins Bus & Car Hire is a familyrun company that’s been providing a high-quality service out of North Kerry since 1991. Situated central to Ballybunion, Listowel and Tralee - with the villages of Ballyduff, Ballyheigue and Causeway all close by – the business is in an ideal location to provide a fantastic range of bus, coach and taxi hire services, always with a personal touch and a keen eye on professionalism.

Represented by a polite, fully-qualified and highly-professional staff (whose main priority is the safety and comfort of clients / passengers), Flavins Bus & Car Hire is an intrinsic part of the local community, boasting a long history of supporting the locality - both in terms of sponsoring local organisations and also by providing much-needed employment. All staff members are from the locality and they boast an extensive knowledge of the North Kerry area - and further

afield! Providing a professional, affordable service at all times and operating a modern, efficient fleet of excellentlymaintained vehicles to suit all occasions, the family-run business has – over the past two decades and more -forged a reputation for itself as one of the premier coach / bus / taxi firms in North Kerry. The comprehensive range of services on offer includes coach and taxi hire IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

(including wheelchair accessible taxis), wedding hire, school runs, school tours, golf tours, event hire, airport transfers, hen & stag parties and mystery tours. Fully versatile, they can provide literally any service. Reflecting on the early days of the business, founder Pat Flavin notes: “I set it up in 1991 and started out with just a hackney car. My father used to work at that for a number of years so it was a natural area for me to get involved in. I just built it up from there year on year. “After driving the hackney for a while, I invested in a minibus as I got busier and soon I had purchased a second minibus. There was more and more demand for our services and we started to do school runs etc., so gradually the business built itself up.” Today, Pat operates a fleet of ten vehicles comprising 53-seater coaches, 35-seaters, minibuses and a couple of hackney cars. Mercedes, Volvo and Ford are the predominant names in the Flavins Bus & Car Hire fleet. “We only use the best vehicles and you strive at all times to keep them right and in good nick,” says the company proprietor, adding that 99% of the maintenance work is carried out in-house. “When the Rural Transport Programme started up a decade ago, we got into that,” Pat continues. “We now do a lot of work on behalf of Kerry Community Transport Ltd., providing rural transport around the county. We would work with them on a weekly basis. “We’re in a very central location here in North Kerry, four or five miles from Ballybunion and six miles from Listowel. Most of our work is local – school runs, rural transport, hackney work and we also do a bit for Active Retirement.” Flavins Bus & Car Hire is very much a family business, with founder Pat being joined in day-to-day operations by his son Raymond, who works in the mechanical side of things. Another son, James, also helps keep the show on the road. Like literally everybody else who works in the transport sector in Ireland at the moment, Pat points out that there is one particular problem affecting his business in a negative way: “The biggest problem IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

we are facing is the cost of fuel,” he states. “It’s absolutely crazy now and it is placing us all under pressure. The situation is especially bad since they took away the diesel rebate. “This is a big, big problem for any operator and it presents us with a real challenge. Costs have gone up and rates are coming down because people don’t have much money to spend. We’re caught in the middle and margins can be very tight at times.” Another problem affecting the bus and taxi hire business is that of emigration – particularly in more remote parts of the country such as that in which Flavins operate: “Emigration has hit our area badly,” Pat says. “We used to bring lads to discos and pubs but that business simply isn’t there any more. North Kerry is a forgotten part of Kerry and – on top of everything else – the weather is killing us!” Ah, the good old Irish weather. The less said about that the better! Looking to the future, Pat is optimistic that Flavins Bus & Car Hire can add significantly to its impressive 21-year history: “We’ll have to get the price of fuel down first of all – anybody involved in transport will tell you that there’s a whole sector here in danger of being killed off. A reduction would make our

lives a lot easier and it would enable us to re-invest some money in the fleet etc. and to generate some more jobs in the local area.” Very much a hands-on proprietor, Pat is always on call to take queries and works very long hours. “You have to do it to survive,” he concludes. “That’s the long and short of it. We are here 24 hours a day and we will take any run in North Kerry.” With 21 years’ experience, Flavins Bus & Car Hire is the obvious choice for customers in the North Kerry region and beyond!

Best Wishes To Flavins Bus & Car Hire, From

CONTACT DETAILS Flavins Coaches, Mevoo, Lisselton, Listowel, Co. Kerry, Ireland. Tel: 068 47221 Mobile: 087 2399949 email: patflavin@hotmail.co.uk www.flavinscoaches.com

Best Wishes To Flavins Bus & Car Hire

Wishing Flavins Bus & Car Hire Every Success In The Future from

LISTOWEL TYRE CENTRE

Contact James on 068 58223

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Clieveragh Commercial Park, Ballylongford Road, Listowel, Co. Kerry Tel: 068-53800 Mobile: 086-6009442 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

A pot hole filler

On the road in Limerick Limerick County Council is one of the most progressive and effective local authorities in the country when it comes to maintaining and improving the roads network. As part of its brief to preserve the local environment, it is also implementing the scheme for the free take-back of old cars, overseeing all directives regarding the disposal of End of Life vehicles (ELVs).

f you are getting rid of an old car, you need to know about new regulations which are effective as of January 1st, 2007 for all end-of-life cars. These regulations introduced an EU Directive aimed at ensuring that old cars are depolluted and dismantled in a manner that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pose a threat to our environment or to human health. These regulations place obligations on IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

the producers (i.e. vehicle manufacturers / importers), dismantlers / vehicle scrap facilities and the car owner. Facilities dealing with end-of-life vehicles must meet stringent new environmental standards for the collection, storage and treatment of endof-life vehicles. These facilities are known as authorised treatment facilities (ATFs).

Old cars should be brought to an authorised treatment facility which will issue a Certificate of Destruction confirming that the vehicle will be depolluted and dismantled in an environmentally safe manner. The facility will then notify the Vehicle Registration Unit in Shannon and the destruction of the vehicle will be noted in the National Vehicle File. The only

document that must be given to the facility is the Vehicle Registration Certificate (RF101) or the log book for the car. Where an authorised treatment facility accepts an intact end-of-life vehicle, no charge may be imposed by the facility on the owner of that vehicle. Members of the public should only deal with a properly-permitted authorised treatment facility when getting rid of an old vehicle, as these are the only ones that have met the new environmental standards and can issue Certificates of Destruction. The authorised treatment facilities for Limerick City and County and their locations are as follows: Auto Towing Ltd. (Bob Sweeney) in Castleconnell; Dan Dooley Ltd. in Knocklong; Dermot Kelly Motors Ltd. in Kilmallock; David O'Riordan in Ballyneety; JM Car Sales & Dismantlers Ltd. in Ballysheedy; John Ahern in Tournafulla; United Metal Recycling Ireland Ltd., Ballysimon; Neilus Healy in Abbeyfeale; Munster 4 X 4 Spares (Seamus Doyle), Lisnagry; Tommy Holmes in Cappamore; and John O'Carroll, Hospital. Contact numbers for these are available on the Limerick County Council website. Limerick County Council employs over 700 staff, covering managerial, administrative, professional and technical grades. New county manager Conn Murray has overall responsibility for all staff in the county, including the Town Councils. Paul Crowe, Director of Transportation, Water and Emergency Services, provides the administrative and technical functions for roads and water services while Josephine Cotter-Coughlan, Director of Environment, Community, Enterprise & Library, provides the administrative and technical functions for Planning, Environmental Protection, Waste Management, Libraries, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services. Limerick County Council is the local authority responsible for administration of the county. Within the county there are three Town Councils – Kilmallock, Rathkeale and Newcastlewest. Each Town Council within the county area comes under the jurisdiction of the County Manager. The Council aims to protect and enhance the quality of life of the citizens of County Limerick and to establish County Limerick as a world class business location. Kieran Lehane is the manager of Limerick City Council. The transport department has responsibility for the roads

The Limerick tunnel

network, public lighting, traffic management and the road safety programme. The roads section provides and maintains public roads, footpaths and public lighting; implements traffic management; and promotes road safety. Its aim is to secure safety and efficiency in the transportation of people and goods by road, which will in turn facilitate increased economic development and maximise the safety of all users of the roads network – motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Limerick County Council is responsible for 3,601km of road in the county, which includes the Local, Regional and National Road Network. The Road Design Office in Lissanalta House, Dooradoyle is responsible for the planning, design and construction of national road projects. The Roads Section is responsible for the maintenance of the county’s road network. This involves a wide range of functions including the following: bridge maintenance, damage to public roads, felling of trees, provision of drains and temporary storage of materials, public lighting / traffic lights / school flashing lights, tree / hedge cutting, working near the roadside, pot hole repairs, road re-surfacing, weed control, trimming of grass verges, signage, the cutting of green areas and open spaces. It is an offence to de-face, damage or dig up a public road without the consent of Limerick County Council. You can apply for a Road Opening Licence which will allow you to dig up a public road to lay pipes, wires or cables etc. It is also an offence to allow stones, clay or any other material to remain on a public road where by doing so it would cause a hazard or potential hazard to people using the road or obstruct or interfere with the safe use of the road. A fine or up to six months imprisonment can be imposed on an offender. With winter closing in, a quick note on the Treatment of Roads for Winter Conditions in County Limerick. Of course, it is not possible to guarantee that roads including Motorways and National Routes will be entirely clear of ice at all times as ice can occur on roads at any time and any place not IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

The R5654 Limerick bypass

predicted in forecasts. All road users must be alert to any variations in the road surface condition. Limerick has a very temperate climate given its location between the River Shannon Estuary and the Galtee Mountains in the inland part of the County. This means that weather conditions may and can vary very significantly in any one day or night. The treatment system which is

governed primarily on the National Road network, Priority 1, which is based primarily on the Icenet system, ice prediction software, put in place by the National Roads Authority (NRA). The system involves daily monitoring by the Council's Roads Engineers throughout the season from midOctober to end April each year. This system is supported by and operated in conjunction with the Irish National

Meteorological Service, Met Eireann. As resources permit and depending on prevailing weather, Priority 2 routes, comprising of most Regional Roads and other strategic locations, will also be treated. With approximately 4,000km of roadway in County Limerick , it would be unrealistic to expect that every road and pedestrian area in the county can be treated.

Best Wishes To Limerick County Council From

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Best wishes to Limerick County Council, from

TOMMY HOLMES Dromsally, Cappamore, Co. Limerick Tel: 061-381644 â&#x20AC;˘ 087-8187471

ELV-ATF APPROVED Permit No: WFP/LK/2010/57A IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Best wishes to Limerick County Council 87

PCD offers a top-class commercial painting service

PCD Transport ‘steeled’ for another 30 years PCD Transport Ltd is a professional service provider with over 30 years’ experience in the transport industry offering steel fabrication, truck building and repair work, MIG welding, aluminium welding and commercial painting services.

ased in Brittas, which is located in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains on the DublinWicklow border, the company was established in 1978 by managing director Paddy Timmons. It originally traded as PCD Transport Services before becoming a limited company some years later. PCD Transport’s reputation for quality, reliability and value-for-money has seen its customer-base grow substantially over the years. A family-run business, it is committed to offering an unrivalled service at all times. “One of the reasons why we have been around as long as we have is down to the special relationship we have with our customers. We will always go out of our way to look after them,” Paddy explains. “The customer always comes first

with us and I’d like to think we’re appreciated for that. All of our work is secured through word of mouth. There have been a lot of changes in the industry over the past 30 years and we have had to change and evolve accordingly. What we’re doing now is completely different to what we were doing when we first started.” Whereas coach building and commercial painting were once PCD Transport’s main business, it is now steel fabrication. “I served my time as a coach builder and that led me to specialising in coach building, but things have changed and our core business now is metal fabrication. We’re a company that’s always willing to diversify. During the construction boom, for example, we were flat out making brackets for scaffolding poles. Wherever the work

is, we’ll go after it.” Operating from a 2,400 square feet state-of-the-art workshop, PCD Transport also specialises in truck building and repair work, commercial painting, MIG welding and aluminium welding. MIG welding can be used to weld many different types of metals such as carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium. In addition, PCD Transport has been manufacturing battery boxes since 1991. In recent years, the company has also branched into making snowploughs which can be fitted to the front of forklifts. “We saw an opening in the market for this type of snowplough during the harsh winters of 2009 and 2010. We sold eight of them straight away which proved to us that there was a demand for them. If we get snow next winter, I’m IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

An example of PCD Transport’s work

sure we’ll sell a few more of them,” Paddy says. One company which has been delighted to supply PCD Transport with top quality paints down the years is Commercial & Industrial Paints, which has outlets in Dublin and Cork. Commercial & Industrial Paints’ high standards of product quality and customer service, coupled with their ability to successfully adapt and progress in the coating markets, ensure that their customers’ demands for quality performance and value-for-money are continually met. All their products are manufactured to comply with the current EPA legislation and are distributed nationwide on a next-day delivery service. PCD’s regular customers include ESB, Manhattan Peanuts, Glanbia and Coldcut Logistics. The company employs six staff, including Paddy’s son Dwayne, daughter Sharon and her husband Michael Kearney. The company’s opening hours are from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The company can repair any truck

PCD Transport specialises in truck building and repair work among other things

“We have an experienced team who are committed to providing our customers with a professional service that won’t be beaten,” the managing director proudly states. One of PCD Transport’s biggest selling points is its location on the outskirts of Dublin. Brittas is situated on the N81 which historically connected the gates of Trinity College, Dublin to Tullow, Co. Carlow. It intersects with the M50 motorway at Junction 11, which makes it easily accessible to customers from all parts of the country. Paddy admits it’s a tough time for everyone involved with truck bodybuilding and the transport industry in general. “I’ve never seen it as bad,” is his blunt reply. “It’s all about survival for a lot of companies – ourselves included. If we hadn’t decided to concentrate on metal fabrication a few years ago, we wouldn’t be here now. When a truck used to go for a DOE test, a garage would look after the mechanical side of things and we’d look after the bodywork. But that work isn’t there for us anymore unfortunately. “The building boom created work for everyone, but it’s a different story now. This area was choc-a-bloc with trucks drawing sand and gravel in and out of Blessington, which has a number of quarries, but you’d COMPANY struggle to see one now. The cost of diesel is DETAILS another huge issue which is affecting PCD Transport Ltd everyone in the industry. Unit 3, “Hopefully things will Gortlum, pick up soon. In the Brittas, meantime, we will Co. Dublin. continue to offer the best Telephone: 01 4582332 possible service we can,” pcdtransport@hotmail.com he concludes.

Continued Best Wishes To PCD Transport Ltd

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A decade (and counting) of quality you can depend on If you’re in the market for a new vehicle then look no further than Michael Daffy Quality Car Sales in Kilmallock, County Limerick. There are few dealers in Munster – nay, all of Ireland – who boast as good a track record for sourcing high-quality used cars and commercial vehicles at an affordable price. Irish Trucker dropped into Michael Daffy’s well-appointed base on Wolfe Tone Street and had a chat with Darren Hartery about the current well-being of a company that’s celebrating ten years in business this year.

or 80 years now, the Daffy name has been synonymous with the motor trade in County Limerick and Michael Daffy Quality Car Sales, Kilmallock maintains a proud family tradition of providing discerning motorists with a product and service they can trust. Michael is very much the go-to man in town when somebody decides to change their vehicle; his reputation for excellence precedes him and a long line of regular customers from the Treaty County and beyond

would swear by him. The word ‘quality’ isn’t part of the company name by chance. It wasn’t slipped in there as an afterthought. Quality is pretty much what this secondhand car dealership is all about and, over the past decade, it is upon cornerstones of quality, honesty, dependability and transparency that this thriving business has been built. A man with great experience of the motor trade, Darren Hartery recently joined the sales team at Michael Daffy

Quality Car Sales. He provides a bit of insight into the genesis of the company: “Michael is still very much the main man here. He set the business up in 2002 but is following in the footsteps of his grandfather – also Michael – who started out in business in Croom in 1932. Michael’s father Donie still runs the business in Croom today. So, yes, it would be fair to say that the family has a long tradition in car sales.” Michael Daffy Car Sales specialises mainly in the sale of quality secondIRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

hand vehicles though, on occasion, they will also source new cars if asked to do so. The fact that they are not affiliated to any particular manufacturer and therefore operate with complete independence leaves them ideally situated to provide the best solution at all times. “It’s nearly all used cars we sell and we would have over 100 in stock here at any given time,” Darren continues. “But Michael will go out of his way to get customers a good deal on a new car as well if that’s what they’re looking for. We have literally all makes and models in stock and we only sell cars that are in excellent condition. Michael is very particular about the vehicles he takes in and this insistence on selling only the best has stood to him.” Michael Daffy Quality Car Sales is one of the leading used car dealers in the south west, with expert sales staff always on hand to demonstrate all vehicles in the showroom. Each customer is dealt with on a one-to-one basis and treated with the utmost respect and care, with the professional and friendly team determined to hammer out a deal that is mutually beneficial to both parties. Trade-ins are welcome and invariably customers drive out through the gates with a smile on their face. While these are very testing times for the motor industry in general, Darren is pleased to report that Michael Daffy Quality Car Sales in holding its own: “We’re tipping away and doing alright,” he says. “Obviously, the days of making a fortune in this business are long gone. The reality is that unfortunately most people can’t afford to replace their cars anymore – especially when it comes to new ones. After the first three months of the year, very few new cars are sold. “But there is a steady demand for quality second-hand cars all year round and we are doing okay. Cars in the €7,000 to €12,000 price range are particularly popular and that’s where most of the activity is taking place these days. You can get a good reliable car for that amount of money and IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

that’s enough for most people to get by.” As a businessman, Michael Daffy is very much an intrinsic part of the local community, as Darren reveals: “The dealership is on the same site as his pub and we can fit up to 70 vehicles into the yard here at any given time and then he also has a showroom with vintage cars and there’s an undertaker’s business here as well. He also does some limousine hire for weddings and corporate events etc.” The second-hand commercial vehicle market is just about registering! “We do have a few commercial vehicles in stock and we’re always on the look-out for them but tradesmen who used these vans during the bubble didn’t trade them in for some reason. A lot of them have just held onto their vans so the supply of quality second-hand commercial vehicles is weak. But if there are any out there we will source them and offer a good deal.” Having worked previously for a main Opel dealer in Limerick city, Darren is enjoying his new role with Michael Daffy Quality Car Sales and says the company has great prospects for the future: “I think we

Best Wishes To Michael Daffy Quality Car Sales From

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have very good potential here. Michael has a very good name in the trade and is extremely well known. Most people in Kilmallock would automatically come here if they were in the market for a car and the same applies to people from Charleville and all the nearby towns and villages. We have a large customer base from the local area. “Michael runs an excellent operation and all his cars are in immaculate condition. As well as being top-quality vehicles, they are also valeted and serviced before they leave the premises and they offer exceptional value at a budget price. “We also have a very good website now - www.daffymotors.com - which is kept up to date with all the cars we have in stock and we get about 75-80% of our business through the website, so that is very important to us. All the cars

are guaranteed depending on their age, with six months on a ’07 for example or twelve months offered on a ’10 or ’11. We also have a small workshop and a mechanic on site, who makes sure everything is in perfect working order and provides a back-up

service. “As for the future, we’ll just keep plugging away as we are and hopefully my own experience of the trade can help Michael to sell a few more cars! It’s tough at the minute, but once you have a good quality car at a reasonable price, then you can’t go far wrong. We’re also going to look into trying to bring some partners on board to offer customers finance packages, which is something that most people are looking for these days.”

CONTACT DETAILS Michael Daffy Quality Car Sales Wolfe Tone Street, Kilmallock County Limerick. Telephone: 063 98000 Fax: 063 31898 Email: carsales@daffymotors.com www.daffymotors.com

Best Wishes To Michael Daffy Quality Car Sales From

Tel: 061 316988

Best Wishes To Michael Daffy Quality Car Sales From

Tom Harnett

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5th & 6th November 2012 Citywest Convention Centre Dublin

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5th & 6th November 2012

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17/09/2012 09:52