Truckerjune2014

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IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Vol. 17 No. 5

JUNE 2014

EURO 2.95 stg.£2.50

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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 2014.

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.

Contents

www.irishtrucker.com

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Industry News A look at the most recent trucking & haulage industry news

22

SDC Truck & Trailer Parts New branch opening in Dublin

24

Kill Haulage Celebrating 15 years in business

26

TIP Trailer Services Ltd. Michael Murphy, General Manager TIP Dublin branch

30

Tom Geraghty Tyre Services Ltd. Waterford’s No. 1 tyre retail company

34

Carroll Freight Ltd. Experiencing a period of unprecedented growth

40

O’Keeffe Sawmills Ltd. One of the country’s most competitive pallet manufacturers

44

Gills Driving School No. 1 in Ireland for Driver CPC, Advanced Driver & Fleet Training Holcroft Motors Ltd. SIMI franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year

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Coyle Complete Ltd. Creating the complete commercial package

58

John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components Leading supplier of quality spare parts

61

John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd. Specialists in fallen animal collection service

64

Crane Worldwide Logistics Irl Ltd. Full service air, ocean, trucking customs brokerage & logistics company

67

Road Tankers Armagh Ltd. Manufacturers of high quality truck mounted fuel tankers

72

Frank Keane Volkswagen SIMI Franchised Sales Operator of the Year

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Freshford Garages Ltd. Top quality service to a large customer base

78

Peadar Barker Haulage Moving in the right direction

83

Coshla Quarries Specialist concrete service to a host of satisfied customers

90

Feda O’Donnell Coaches One of Ireland’s leading coach operators

94

Starplan UK’s largest bed & bedroom furniture manufacturer

97

TRACS (Tyre Recovery Activity Compliance Scheme) Sales Manager Pat Kierans

100 Temple Auto Salvage Providing a broad range of services 102 Central Bus & Coach Ltd. One stop shop for bus & coach sales, parts & service 106 Gemco Ireland Premier supplier of garage equipment 109 Classifieds Irish Trucker is published by k, Kells, Co. Meath DG Press, Kells Business Par Telephone: (046) 9241923 Fax: (046) 9241926 ynngroupmedia.com t@l tac e mail: con

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SDC secures £10million trailer order with Hireco

Local trailer manufacturer, SDC has secured an order worth £10million from trailer rental company Hireco Ltd. The trailers, which include a range of box vans, double-deck step-frame curtainsiders, and urban trailers, will be manufactured across SDC's three state of the art engineering facilities at Toomebridge, Antrim and Mansfield over the next six months.

The major order indicates positive growth in the UK’s transport and logistics markets with six hundred new trailers being added to the Hireco fleet. In the last 12 months, SDC Trailers has created a total of 170 jobs, with hopes of more to follow before the end of the year. The group turnover to 31/3/2014 was £130m, projected to rise to £150 by 31/3/15, a rise of £20 million.

The £10million order is the result of a long standing relationship between Hireco and SDC. Managing Director at SDC Trailers, Mark Cuskeran, commented: “Hireco have been a great customer of ours through the years and I would like to thank them for choosing SDC once again.

We have been working closely with Hireco to ensure their specific requirements are always met and this has allowed us to form a great and sustainable partnership. We operate in a very competitive market where quality and customer service, as well as our ongoing drive to keep our production costs low have ensured continued success. Our reputation is built on over thirty five years of design expertise, and quality accredited manufacturing standards.”

Mark Cuskeran said this order comes at an exceptionally successful time for the company which has invested in its staff, training and boosting employment. In February, the company also announced a £1.25 Million order from Saudi company, the Rezayat Group.

Established in Dublin, Hireco now has seven outlets throughout the UK and Ireland supplying premium equipment for contract hire and rental. They have purchased over 5,000 SDC trailers prior to this order and have been very satisfied with their performance. Tony Wan, a director at Hireco commented; "I am delighted to announce this order with SDC, we are seeing an upturn in the UK and Irish markets with a high demand for trailer rentals. Investing in the best allows us to offer a high standard of service to our customers and remain competitive in the equipment rental industry. We have chosen SDC over the years because the quality of their products and customer service is second to none. I am looking forward to working more with them in the coming months.”

Mark Cuskeran added, “By continuously re-investing and updating our engineering facilities we have been able to adapt to changes in the industry and provide customer led transport solutions. SDC have set the benchmark for innovation and quality in the trailer manufacturing industry and we will continue to do so were we see improvements can be made.”

SDC Trailers have been serving the road transport and logistics industry since 1978. Having pioneered a number of innovative design features and operational advancements, they are now widely recognised as the industry leader. Their unique bolt on body concept offers practical repairs and minimal downtime. SDC were the first manufacturer to build the longer length semi-trailer which currently being trailed by the UK, offering a reduction in carbon emissions, congestion, fuel consumption and operational costs.

In 2010 the innovative manufacturer launched the “autoliner” trailer in response to a demand from vehicle transport operators. The semi-trailer offers increased flexibility over the standard car transporter, with additional operational and fuel saving benefits. The company’s latest innovation; an extended length skeletal trailer was unveiled by HRH Princess Anne at last month’s commercial vehicle show in Birmingham. The new 15.6m skeletal and 50ft container which can transport up to eight additional pallets on one lorry is being trialed by UK operator Malcolm Logistics.

In addition to high quality trailers, SDC provide a truck and trailer parts service throughout Ireland, which aims to minimise customer downtime. With over five thousand original equipment parts in stock, SDC Parts offer same day or next day courier service for customer convenience.

Motorway boost for West

The signing of contracts for the final section of M17/M18 Gort to Tuam PPP Scheme has been welcomed.

Chambers Ireland stated that the linking of Limerick, Shannon and Ennis to Galway through a top quality road network will have a positive effect on the west of Ireland. Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said; “Chambers Ireland have consistently called for the completion of this piece of the road infrastructure seeing it as a vital piece of connectivity linking the area as a whole and making it a more attractive place in which to live and work. "The fact that these major towns will be more easily accessible to one another will create a greater incentive for more businesses to invest in the area.” The overall cost of the scheme is estimated at €550 million and the road will be toll-free. This is the second transport Public Private Partnership to be signed under this Government, and will create up to 450 jobs during the construction and post-construction phases.

2

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Warning on disposal of used truck tyres

All used truck tyres are now subect to EU Waste regulations irrespective of their onward use. Tyres for retreading on for any further onward use are also included in these EU directives. It is an offence to allow for collective used truck tyres by a person not carrying a permit (permits issued outside the country are invalid). Additional information and legal obligations can be obtained from the National Waste Collection permits Office (NWCPO.ie).

Fines under Section 10 of the Waste Management Act can be severe. Where a person is aware of an unauthorised collection they can forward this information to the waster enforcement team of their local authority or the Environmental Protection Agency.

Sprinter delivers for Caterway Caterway Ireland Ltd have added 5 new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 vans to their fleet

Caterway Ireland Ltd, one of Ireland's leading wholesale suppliers to the catering industry has increased its fleet with the recent addition of five new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 316 vans.

Supplied by M50 Truck & Van Centre, Mercedes-Benz commercial dealers in Dublin 11, the new units can be seen on Irish roads finished in the company’s distinctive dark green and yellow livery.

With roots tracing back to the 1940s, Caterway now employs over 50 people from its base in Halston Street, Dublin 7 (behind the four courts) at the heart of the fruit and vegetable market and serves a customer base ranging from large catering firms to independent retailers, hotels, restaurants and hospitals.

Taoiseach to back Narrow Water Bridge project?

According to a Labour Senator, an Taoiseach Enda Kenny is prepared to support a new attempt to complete the shelved Narrow Water Bridge project. Last summer, the proposed Narrow Water Bridge scheme between Omeath, County Louth and Warrenpoint, County Down looked doomed when plans to build the bridge were put on hold due to a funding shortfall believed to be in the region of at least €10m. But last month, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said that the cross-border Narrow Water Bridge was still viable - if the Government gets its finger out. The proposed 195m long Narrow Water cablestayed bridge has been in planning for over five years and would connect Cornamucklagh near Omeath with Narrow Water near Warrenpoint. When finished, it would be 620m long (it was originally hoped it could be opened by 2015). €17.4m was allocated from Europe for the project last year. Louth County Council, Newry and Mourne District Council, and Down District Council also put up funding, while the late Edward Haughey had planned to add financial backing, when it all fell through as the tender came in above the estimated cost and EU money was diverted to a different project However, Labour Senator Jim D’Arcy recently told The Dundalk Democrat that the political will to revive the project now exists: “I have been speaking to An Taoiseach and I would expect that at the meeting of the North-South Ministerial body in June, the Government will agree to support and get involved in an application to Special European Programme Body (SEUP) under the next round of funding. “This is a very significant development. The funding is key to getting the project moving. The last funding was granted under INTEREGG 4 but when the tender came in above the grant application, the funding collapsed. “I also raised the issue with the North’s First Minister Peter Robinson, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, at a dinner in Stormont recently. I asked that the Northern Assembly upgraded its support and they have assured me that it will be done.”

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SDC Trailers staff raise £20,000 in aid of NICFC

Staff from SDC Trailers taking part in the Belfast Marathon: Maureen Donnelly, Darren Donnelly, Sean Young, Lorraine Donnelly, Chris McPolin, Conor Ward, Paul Purvis, Ken Holland, Aodheen Dougan, Enda McQuillian

Staff from SDC Trailers raised an outstanding £20,000 for their Charity of the Year; Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (NICFC) by taking part in the Belfast Marathon. The local trailer manufacturer entered two rely teams from their headquarters in Toomebridge.

SDC’s Director Darren Donnelly, who took part in the Marathon said: “I have seen first-hand the excellent facilities that NICFC have to offer and I am pleased that we are able to support such a worthy charity. I’d like to thank everyone who showed their support and donated.”

The Northern Ireland Cancer fund for children offer support to children, teenagers and young adults with cancer. Last month, the NICFC opened a new therapeutic centre in the Mournes which provides families affected by childhood cancer in Northern Ireland a short break aimed to help them relax during a traumatic and

challenging time.

Donations can still be made online via the SDC Just Giving webpage at http://www.justgiving.com/sdc-trailers.

Komatsu adds new PC170LC-10 Excavator to European line-up

New Komatsu PC170LC-10 excavator

Komatsu has extended their Dash-10 series with the launch of their PC170LC-10 excavator on the European market.

Powered by an EU Stage 3B engine, with its lower emissions and lower fuel consumption, this latest addition has operating weights from 17,280kg - 18,220kg, delivering up to 5% more lift capacity with a standard counterweight. Contractors requiring more powerful lifting can fit a heavier counterweight that will provide up to 15% more lift capacity.

The PC170LC-10 delivers a net 115HP at 2,100rpm. Depending on application and conditions, it is up to 10 percent more fuel- efficient than its predecessor thanks to a variable-flow turbocharger that produces optimal airflow under all speeds and load conditions.

In common with every new Komatsu EU Stage 3B construction machine, the PC170LC-10 benefits from Komatsu CARE complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance. Other features include latest KOMTRAX fleet monitoring technology and KEMM - Komatsu’s own equipment management monitoring system. Besides providing troubleshooting assistance to minimise diagnosis and repair time, KEMM enhanced diagnostic features plan maintenance schedules and provide operator and technicians with greater monitoring and troubleshooting capabilities.

All of the PC170LC-10’s major components are exclusively designed and manufactured by Komatsu to create an integrated load sensing hydraulic system utilizing variable speed matching and low speed matching technology. A long-life diesel oxidation catalyst removes soot without the need for a diesel particulate filter.

Cab comforts include an easy-to-use, high-resolution LCD color monitor on which the operator can select from six working modes - Power Mode, Economy Mode, Heavy Lift Mode, Breaker Mode, Attachment Economy and Attachment Power – in order to match performance to the application. It also provides operational efficiency guidance in the form of records, fuel consumption history and utilization information. A push-button activated rear-view monitoring system allows the operator to view directly behind the machine.

Seeing it as a further indication of Komatsu’s determination to equip their machines with latest technology and features to assist owner and operator alike, John O’Brien, sales director with Komatsu distributor McHale Plant Sales said ‘the classleading enhancements built into the PC170LC-10 and its EU Stage 3B stable mates combine to make these latest Komatsu machines especially appealing to those who seek to extract maximum return from their machines’.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Whale Tankers shows the way with TIP

Whale Tankers, the leading liquid waste tanker and jetting equipment manufacturer, has been marking one of its longest standing business relationships at the recent CV (Commercial Vehicle) show.

The company has been supplying a wide range of vehicles to TIP Tanker Services for more than 20 years and recently showcased the latest addition to the TIP tanker fleet, the Whale MVC (Medium Volume Combination) at the CV show which features a number of new and innovative options, including Whale’s ESN (Emissions, Smell and Noise) Environmental Package. In addition to this latest purchase, Whale Tankers is currently supplying a further range of new vehicles to TIP including MVCs, KiloWhales and 4400 gallon Vac Tanks.

The Whale vehicles are used by TIP as part of its national hire service to organisations such as private and public sector operators requiring The latest addition to the TIP Tanker Services fleet, the Whale MVC which features a number of new and innovative options, including specialised tanker equipment for a range of Whale’s ESN Environmental Package different applications, including mainline sewers, gullies and drains. Rental periods can be anything from one day up to ten years, depending upon the project and individual requirements.

Mark Crossland, Managing Director for TIP Tanker Services, said: “We’ve been working with Whale Tankers for many years now and have always liked their innovative approach to vehicle design and development. We have a large number of Whale Tankers within our national fleet.

“Our most recent purchase is the Whale MVC, a multi-functional machine which is built on a Euro 6 Daf FAFL55-220 18 tonne GVW and has been fitted with Whale’s new ESN Environmental Package. We believe his makes it one of the ‘greenest’ vehicles of its type on the road today and will offer our customers a flexible option with excellent performance, environmental and health and safety.”

Mark Warmington, Managing Director of Whale Tankers, added: “Our team of engineers has worked with the team at TIP to ‘fully load’ this MVC and with the combined features and benefits of the Environmental Package on the vehicle, this will reduce any adverse impact on the environment while in operation.

“We look forward to working with TIP for many more years to come and to developing our mutually beneficial relationship further with new and innovative vehicle design.”

Irish firms sign €3.4m deal

Irish fine food specialists La Rousse Foods have signed a two-year contract worth €3.4 million with food and support services company, Compass Group Ireland. Compass Group Ireland employs more than 4,000 people on the Island of Ireland, operates over 250 units and serves more than 100,000 meals a day. The new contract will see the Dublin-based company supply a range of products including artisan Irish and French cheeses, breads, handmade chocolates and specialty game to the Group’s fine dining and hospitality offering within its 250 units. Mark Lee, commercial director, Compass Group Ireland said: "We were impressed by La Rousse Foods range of premium quality products which can be found in some of the best restaurants in Ireland and its dedication to excellence within the food industry. We look forward to working with them over the next two years to further enhance our fine dining and hospitality offering."

Poolbeg didn’t breach EU rules

The European Commission have ruled that the controversial Poolbeg Incinerator has not breached EU rules on state aid. However, the project is still facing a ruling on another complaint concerning public procurement procedures which is ongoing. Dublin City Council's manager Owen Keegan has said that the project will be cancelled if either of the complaints go against the council. The council is involved in a public private partnership with the company Covanta and stands to lose over €90 million if the plan is cancelled. These costs would be repaid by Covanta if it does go ahead. But the plan for an incinerator processing 600,000 tonnes of waste is opposed by local residents, a majority of city councillors and other waste companies.

8

Construction up for tenth time in a row

Construction has grown in Ireland for the tenth successive month – although there is still a long way to go considering the low base from which this growth started last year. Construction continued to grow in April as business confidence in the sector is now at its strongest since June 2000, according to the Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index. The monthly construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) from Ulster posted an overall score of 63.5 points for April - up from a reading of 60.2 points in March. Any level above 50 points indicates expansion. “The results of the April survey of the Ulster Bank Construction PMI point to a further strengthening of the recovery in Irish construction last month. There was a marked acceleration in overall activity in April as the headline PMI reached its highest level since the end of 2004,” said, Simon Barry, chief economist Republic of Ireland at Ulster Bank.

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truck news designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 16:11 Page 8

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9

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Manila docks jammed by cargo containers due to rush-hour truck ban

A truck ban in Manila is having an adverse effect on the Philippine economy. Cargo containers filled with goods ranging from toys to electronics are piling up on Manila’s docks as the rush-hour truck ban threatens to dent growth in south-east Asia’s fastest-expanding economy. Incoming cargo boxes have lingered at International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICT)’s 100-hectare port facility an average of ten days - up from the usual six - since Mayor Joseph Estrada declared the ban in February. The port, which can’t be accessed without going through Manila’s roads, handles more than half of the nation’s overseas freight.

While the ban was intended to ease gridlock in the heart of a region of almost 23 million people, the shipping backlogs have become so severe they are hindering the country’s growth. The former American colony is losing almost ten times as much through the gridlock as it is saving from having lesscongested roads. The truck ban was introduced on February 24th in an attempt to ease traffic in a region notorious for daily commutes of five hours or more. Eightwheeled trucks and vehicles weighing more than 4,500 kilograms (10,000 pounds) are prohibited from Manila roads between 5am. and 10 a.m. and 3pm to 9pm, Monday to Saturday.

Five chicks hitch a ride in HGV

In the UK, a nest of five chicks survived a near 300-mile cross-country journey in the back of a lorry. The Great Tits took the journey from Leeds, Yorkshire down to the village of Ringmer in East Sussex after their mother built their home nestling in a stack of bricks – which just happened to be on the back of the truck! Lorry driver Matt Isted didn't notice the chicks until they eventually arrived at the Chandlers Building Supplies yard. His quick thinking in delivering them to the neighbouring Ratstede Centre for Animal Welfare helped save the birds’ lives. The trucker explained: “When the bricks came into the yard the nest fell onto the floor.

Someone said it was empty but when we looked inside there were the chicks. “My first instinct was to take them round next door to try and help - we thought they might not survive. I am an animal lover myself so I think I will go back round to check up on them every now and then.”

10

Michelin brings driver safety talks to Ireland

Pictured with Steve Wright and his life-like puppets ‘Bez’ and ‘Evie’ are Portmarnock Community School students Brian Gillen (Swords), Ellen Kenny (Portmarnock) and Moia Ahern (Kinsealy). Steve's Michelin-sponsored tour also included visits to Malahide and Donabate Community Schools.

Tyre manufacturer Michelin has brought its ‘theatre in education’ series of safety awareness talks to Ireland.

Recently, transition year students at Malahide Community School, Portmarnock Community School and Donabate Community College - all of whom are now approaching driving age -attended the hour-long show presented by well-known puppeteer and educational talks presenter Steve Wright.

Using life-like puppets and other methods to help communicate the risks they will face, each talk was illustrated by stories of real youngsters whose lives have been affected by dangerous driving.

Talk topics included guidance on the dangers of peer pressure and how to resist it coupled with advice on how young people can become positive role models to their friends.

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of having a clean driving record when securing a job and staying in employment along with the risks attaching to the use of mobile phones and hand-held devices, in-car safety and the avoidance of distractions while walking and driving.

One worrying statistic brought to the fore in each talk was that, in the UK, being a car passenger is the most common cause of death amongst females aged 16 to 24.

Haulage firm cross border in tax move

In a bid to avoid rising tax costs in the Republic of Ireland, a Donegal based haulage firm is moving north of the border. Bradley Haulage which is currently based in Buncrana, will move the main part of its operation to Derry. The company, which has been in operation for 20 years, employs 40 people and the owners say the majority of those jobs will now be based in the North. Peter Bradley of the family-owned business said they will make a huge saving overnight. “The move is saving €150,000 alone in road taxes and that’s nothing to be laughed at. We pay about €5,000 on each vehicle we have. “Our operation is high turnover and low margin and this kind of saving is the difference between us staying in business and not,” he said. “It costs about €300 to get a truck and trailer through an NCT but an MOT in the North costs about £125. That’s a huge saving each time.”

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truck news designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 16:11 Page 11

Michelin increases certified centre network in Ireland

Michelin has increased the number of tyre specialists in Ireland whose outlets have been granted Michelin Certified Centre status.

Latest to have the standard of his service recognised by the world leading tyre manufacturer is Co. Cork-based specialist Jim O'Hanlon whose O’Hanlon Tyres business comprises two retail outlets, one at the company’s head office in Millstreet and the other at Tralee Road, Castleisland, Co. Kerry.

Together, both O’Hanlon Tyres outlets now join a nationwide network of fifteen tyre retailers – twelve in the Republic of Ireland and three in Northern Ireland – who hold Michelin Certified Centre status.

Others are: Simon Allen (Global Tyres, Carrickmacross and Dundalk), Robert Pictured with Michelin UK and Ireland Head of Distribution, Martyn Pointer (seated Ferguson (Discount Tyres, Blanchardstown centre) are the successful Michelin Certified Centre dealers. They are (standing left and Naas Tyre & Auto Services), Phil Flynn to right): Robert Ferguson (Discount Tyres, Blanchardstown and Naas Tyre & Auto Services), Michael McGrath (Safeway Tyres, Ennis), Jim O'Hanlon (O’Hanlon Tyres, Millstreet and (Dungarvan Tyre Centre), Thom Fox Castleisland), Cormac Nolan (Nolan Tyres, Ballon), Patsy Meyler (Meyler’s Tyres, Wexford), Thom Fox (Ballinasloe Tyre Centre) and Simon Allen (Global Tyres, Carrickmacross and (Ballinasloe Tyre Centre), Robert Frazer Dundalk). Seated are Jean Chambers (A One Tyres, Dromore) and (Carryduff Tyres), Eamonn Gleeson Eamon Gleeson (Eamon Gleeson Tyres, Cahir) (Eamonn Gleeson Tyres, Cahir), Wilson Mackey (A One Tyres, Dromore), Michael McGrath (Safeway Tyres, Ennis), Patsy Meyler (Meyler’s Tyres, Wexford), Cormac Nolan (Nolan Tyres, Ballon, Co. Carlow) and Alistair Simpson (Tyre Safety Centre, Cookstown).

The achievements of Jim O'Hanlon and those of the other Michelin Certified Centre tyre retailers were recognised at a recent Michelin Certified Centre Business Seminar held in Mullingar, hosted by Michelin UK and Ireland Head of Distribution, Martyn Pointer, at which best practice, business trends and issues facing the tyre industry were discussed.

Becoming a Michelin Certified Centre recognises the achievement of each of the twelve specialists in providing the very best levels of service, professionalism and expertise approved by Michelin’s Europe-wide accreditation scheme.

To qualify for certification, each retail outlet has to successfully pass a stringent independent audit of its operations. The audit assesses the quality of the workshop and buildings, levels of customer service and personnel requirements including training and skill levels.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Pointer described the programme as ‘one designed to make dealers feel part of a successful, international organisation whilst maintaining their own individual identity.’ He went on to say that Ireland’s Michelin Certified Centre dealers are ‘as good as any in Europe in their approach to their customers.’

In recognising the contribution being made by each Michelin Certified Centre in delivering the standard of service that motorists now expect, Michelin’s Retail Programme Development Manager, Mark Coleman confirmed the company’s intention to grow the number of Michelin Certified Centre dealers, north and south, by 2015.

‘Being the only tyre producer to operate a tyre manufacturing facility in Ireland with our bus and truck tyre production plant in Ballymena, Michelin’s commitment to Ireland is real and long-standing. The expansion of our Michelin Certified Centre network is a further demonstration of the importance which Michelin attaches to Ireland and the Irish market’ Mr. Coleman said.

Other Michelin personnel present at the event were Programme Development Manager, Tracy Burnett and their Account Managers in Ireland.

RSA guidelines to safe driving launched

The Road Safety Authority has launched Sláinte agus Tiomáint Medical Fitness to Drive Guidelines for bus and truck drivers, known as Group 2 drivers. The guidelines are in conjunction with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI)and they require a higher standard of physical and mental fitness on the part of these professional drivers compared to drivers of cars and smaller vehicles. Speaking at the launch, Professor Desmond O’Neill, National Programme Director for Traffic Medicine said, “The new Guidelines allow drivers with well-managed health conditions to continue to drive safely.

"As a driver, if you’re unsure about whether or not you should report a medical condition, you should seek advice from your doctor or health professional. It is important to remember that if you report your condition, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will lose your licence. It might mean that you have to see your doctor more often to check that your condition is well managed or it might mean that there are some restrictions placed on your driving.”

The guidelines require all Group 2 drivers to submit a medical report with their application for a driving licence, while drivers with a valid licence are required to notify the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) if their health changes in a way that would impact on their ability to drive safely for a period of longer than 6 months.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Irvinestown Truck Festival

The 14th annual Irvinestown Truck Convoy, part of the Lady of the Lake Festival is back again this year. This Truck Convoy raises money in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. This years event starts on Friday July 18th and continues until Sunday 20th July finishing with the legendary 60 mile truck convoy around the picturesque lakes of Fermanagh.

Irvinestown Truck Festival Has gone from strength to strength each year.

After 14 successful years, we have many drivers who return each year, along with new drivers joining us. I would appeal to all those planning to attend, to put time and effort into getting sponsorship to take part. The event is a fun time for the drivers with loads of things happening over the weekend, Friday night the fantastic Light Show takes place around the town with the town lit up with all the lorry lights and the music going full blast on the street along with the Lorry Horns it is truly an amazing spectacle. Saturday and Sunday the trucks are on show in the vast car park of Necarne Estate along with bands playing , a hole digging competition and a truckers ball with Hugo Duncan.

The main priority is to raise as much money as possible for Marie Curie Cancer Care. We are all well aware it is difficult out there at the minute economically. However when someone is terminally ill and being cared for in their final days, by a Marie Curie Nurse in their own home, they do not have the luxury of time. They need immediate care.”

Sheena Havlin Marie Curie Fundraising Manager for the West said “This event continues to grow thanks to the year round hard work of all involved.

This year we are delighted to have the continued support of MT Waste and Stena Line Freight, ensuring that all proceeds go directly to our Nurses.”

To view some of the highlights of previous events, please visit our website, www.irvinestowntruckfestival.co.uk or follow us on face book www.facebook.com/irvinestowntruckfestival To receive a registration pack, please contact 02882 249888 or email irvinestowntruckfestival.co.uk If your company is interested in having a trade stall at the event please contact George Gordon on 07836695833.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

AA find cause of road rage

A recent survey carried out by the AA has revealed that drivers prone to road rage actually do not like driving. Aggressive motorists who attack others by flashing their lights or being abusive are probably hiding a lack of confidence, according to new research. Researchers who studied AA members over five years, found those who are prone to road rage often don't like driving. The research also found that the most frequent drivers are split between those who hate doing it, and those who love it.

Boreman proud to back Full of the Pipe Boreman Ltd are proud to once again be the main sponsors for the Full of the Pipe truck show in Cavan Equestrian Centre. We are determined to continue supporting the Irish trucking industry.

When you buy Boreman products you are supporting Irish Jobs, our products are manufactured to the highest standards ensuring that you, the customer are guaranteed value for money. We congratulate Kevin and Colin on a fantastic show in one of the best indoor venues Ireland has to offer. Good luck to all the participants in each category and have a great show. To keep up to speed on all Boreman Ltd’s new and existing products please follow us Facebook. www.facebook.com/boremanltd “

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TIP to invest over £19million in 900 new trailers for its fleet in 2014

In the biggest UK trailer purchase deal by a single company in 2014 so far, leading trailer company TIP Trailer Services has announced that it is to invest over £19million in 900 new trailers for its UK trailer fleet. The first of the new trailers are scheduled to go into service in June this year, with the balance of the 900 trailers TIP to invest over being operational by October. £19million TIP’s planned £19m trailer programme for 2014 will predominantly cover a mixture of standard trailer types, including curtainsiders, box vans, skeletals and reefers, although TIP says that it will also be looking to include a small number of newer trailer design types, such as teardrops and double deck trailers, within its product offering as part of this acquisition programme.

Announcing details of this major investment deal, Mike Furnival, Commercial Director UK at TIP Trailer Services said, “The majority of the trailers being purchased will go towards satisfying the growth of new TIP business here in the UK. The UK customer base is asking for newer trailers as part of our extensive product offering and it is really positive that we are able to announce this investment which will enable us to service this requirement and grow our market share.”

In the UK, TIP currently owns and manages over 14,000 trailers through its trailer rental and services business. As Mike Furnival explains, “The UK business continues to deliver strong performance figures and we believe that this new investment, which clearly demonstrates HNA’s commitment and confidence in our business, will complement our total service offering to our customer base.”

“We are now seeing strong demand at the trailer manufacturer level as customers look to invest in their fleets for the first time for many years. We recognise that our customers feel more confident about a continued stable recovery in general and this is a view that the TIP supports,” said Mike Furnival, “Fundamentally, we feel that the time is now right to invest in our UK trailer fleet, which will enable us to better support our customers demand for good quality, flexible rental equipment that allows them to deliver the best service every day.”

As the new trailers join the growing TIP fleet, the company will be looking to remarket and sell some of their older trailers in the first steps towards reducing the overall fleet age profile.

Record £130m spent repairing NI’s roads in 2013/14

An unbelievable £130m was spent on maintaining the roads of Northern Ireland in the last financial year.

Part of the reason for the record spend – up £20m from the previous financial year - may be the battering the roads have taken from the weather. Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy confirmed that the total bill for structural maintenance in the financial year just ended was around £130m - £20m higher than 2012 and £10m higher than the previous record. Kennedy said the increase was partly due to the inclement weather: "There is no doubt the weather can have a significant impact on the condition of our road network. The storms and associated tidal surges earlier in the year caused significant damage to coastal roads and their associated defences." He said his department anticipated the cost of carrying out storm damage repairs would amount to around £3.5m, but could be more. Work at some of the locations is still on-going, and in a few cases will not be completed until later in the year. Northern Ireland’s roads network comprises some 25,000km in total and Kennedy adds that in general weather has little or no impact: "However, in general, well-maintained roads in good condition suffer relatively little weather related damage. In seeking to maintain the network and offset weather-related damage, my department anticipates it will have spent some £130m on structural maintenance in 2013/14.

"This will be a record level of expenditure, showing an increase of some £20m on the previous year, and some £10m higher than the previous record of £120m set in 2011/12."

Learner drivers not learning

A new survey has revealed that learner drivers are continuing to break the rules of the road. The survey carried out by eFlow revealed that many continue to drive without a licensed driver, which is the legal requirement these days. It also revealed that as much as 40% of learner drivers fail to display L-plates on their vehicles. eFlow is now calling on the government to consider introducing mandatory driving lessons in secondary schools across Ireland. Simon McBeth from eFlow says the results of the survey are worrying.

"The survey showed that over 62% of learner drivers said that they go out without a fully-licensed driver accompanying them - which is incredibly dangerous considering they're not qualified to drive in the first place and there's nobody in the car helping them along the way," he said. "So the chance of accident is a lot bigger in that circumstance."

14

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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15

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Premiere for the new Volvo FE with low-entry cab

Volvo Trucks is now expanding its model range with a lowentry version of the new Volvo FE for Euro 6.

The Volvo FE LEC (Low Entry Cab) has been specially designed for refuse operations and The new Volvo FE for Euro city distribution 6 with low-entry cab duties. The cab features a low entry, a flat floor throughout, excellent visibility and space for up to four people.

“There is a constant increase in the demand for efficient refuse transport and smart solutions for city distribution. With the new Volvo FE LEC we meet our customers’ needs even better than before. For instance, we are the only manufacturer to offer a refuse truck with a low entry and automated manual gearbox as an alternative to a fully-automatic transmission. Volvo I-Shift makes driving more fuel-efficient and the transmission’s low weight permits added payload,” says Pernilla Sustovic, Segment Manager Distribution, Volvo Trucks.

Walk-through, low-entry cab

The new Volvo FE LEC is based on the latest generation of Volvo Trucks’ medium duty Volvo FE. The chassis, driveline, design, instruments and controls are all more or less identical. What differentiates the Volvo FE LEC above all are the properties specific to the low-entry walk-through cab. Entry height is just 530 mm. With the kneeling function activated, this is lowered a further 90 mm. The doors can be opened 90 degrees and the floor is flat throughout the cab. The cab itself can be fitted with up to three passenger seats. The driver’s seat is more forward-placed to ensure the best possible visibility ahead and to the sides of the truck. The cab also features large rear-view mirrors and close-quarter mirrors. Extra side windows behind the B-posts are available as an option.

Practical details

“The Volvo FE LEC has been designed to make daily operations easier for the driver and crew. That is why we attached considerable importance to the practical details,” relates Lars Franck, Product Manager Extended Offer, Volvo Trucks.

For instance, the kneeling function is activated as soon as the parking brake is applied to make it possible to quickly and conveniently exit the cab. The kneeling function can also be turned on and off via a button in the instrument panel. Beside the driver’s seat there is a connection for a compressed-air gun that can be used to blow away dirt and dust. There is also the option of a 24 V socket behind the driver’s seat, handy for powering a refrigerator, for example. In addition, it is possible to fit a reversing camera or a display for weighing the loaded refuse, via an adapter in the instrument panel.

Type approval of complete truck throughout Europe The new Volvo FE LEC has received Whole Vehicle Type Approval throughout Europe, and meets both EU and Swedish as well as Volvo Trucks’ own stringent demands on collision safety. The truck will be unveiled at IFAT in Munich, Germany, on May 5-9. IFAT is one of the world’s largest exhibitions specialising in the environment and refuse handling.

16

Komatsu recognises McHale’s Europe wide Hybrid sales success

McHale Plant Sales receives 1st prize for selling the most HB215-1 hybrid excavators

Komatsu has awarded McHale Plant Sales first prize place in a Europe-wide sales contest in recognition of their success in achieving the most sales of the new HB2151 hybrid excavator.

The first prize award – which recognises the success of McHale Plant Sales in selling the most HB215-1 hybrid excavators since the commencement of the competition last September - will be accepted on behalf of the company by its director Tim Shanahan.

The HB215-1 hybrid excavator is designed to operate in sensitive environmental applications. Quieter, it emits less noise than conventional excavators making it suited for work in urban surroundings, confined spaces or city streets. Other beneficial features include average fuel savings of 25 percent and a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions that makes it suitable for handling sensitive environmental projects.

Continental to drive MAN forward

Continental third generation tyres are now being fitted on all new MAN Truck & Bus vehicles. Two of the tyre models being fitted are the Conti EcoPlus HS3 for steer axles and the Conti EcoPlus HD3 for drive axles.

Both are designed for long-haul use and offer fuel savings of up to 1.9 litres per 100km, thanks to specially adjusted rubber compounds, new tread design, and reduced rolling resistance. The steer axle tyres also have improved grip for wet conditions and have a visual alignment indicator. For buses and coaches – both MAN and Neoplan – the Conti Coach HA3 will now be fitted as an allround tyre, with the Conti CityPlus HA3 for regional operations. All third-generation Continental tyres are based on a retreadable premium carcass with reinforced steel cord beads and are regroovable. They feature a patented AirKeep inner liner to minimise creeping air loss.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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€4.4m investment in stateof-the-art showroom heralds a new era of motoring in the Midlands

A new era of motoring was marked in the Midlands on Friday 9th May when Audi Athlone held the official launch event for its brand new state-of-the-art showroom. A host of well known faces from the world of sport and entertainment were on hand to mark the official launch including Audi Ireland brand ambassadors Rob Kearney and Kathryn Thomas and Audi Athlone ambassadors Bressie and IRUPA Young Player of the Year, Robbie Henshaw.

Situated on the old Dublin Road, the €4.4 million 12 car showroom forms part of Audi Ireland’s €80 million investment in its dealer network with further openings planned later in the year.

To date Audi Athlone has established 18 jobs at the showroom with a view to adding an additional five positions by the end of the year.

As well as room for 12 cars inside, Audi Athlone boasts up to 60 Audi Approved :plus used vehicles outside on display with an additional 100 car park spaces reserved for customer car parking and used models.

To compliment the showroom, Audi Athlone has invested in an eight hoist state-of-the-art workshop allowing customers to benefit from the expertise, experience and value they have been accustomed to with Audi.

Michael Moore Jr, dealer principal, Audi Athlone commented, “We are delighted to mark the official opening of this fantastic new showroom here in Athlone. The Audi brand in Ireland continues to go from strength-to-strength and the Midlands region is no exception.

“As a family, we have a long standing heritage in this industry having been in the motor business for 42 years.

We pride ourselves on offering a first class and personal service to all our customers and we believe our customer care combined with the superb Audi product range really will deliver an unrivalled offering to motorists in the Midlands.”

Christian Gussen, managing director, Audi Ireland said; “Our latest showroom in Athlone reaffirms our commitment to providing a best in class service to all Audi customers

across Ireland. We are approaching the final stages of our dealer network investment and this is another important milestone for us. I would like to wish the Moore’s every success with this superb new facility and we look forward to working with them for many years to come.

“Despite a challenging economic environment the Audi brand has continued to grow in Ireland. In the first quarter of this year we maintained our position as Ireland’s number one premium car marque with an 8.6% increase in registrations compared to the same quarter in 2013.

“As we prepare for the 142 registration period, I am delighted to say we have some fantastic product on the way including the A3 Cabriolet and the all Audi Athlone new statenew Audi TT, the of-the-art showroom first of its kind since 2007. With these exciting new model launches and our continued investment in the Audi dealer network, we are confident that we can continue to grow the business in Ireland in a sustainable way.”

For further information visit www.audi.ie

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Michelin launches nationwide breakdown service

Michelin is introducing a new 24/7 breakdown service for truck, bus and coach operators which uses audited and approved Michelin Certified Centres to provide comprehensive nationwide coverage across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The new Michelin ONCall service was officially launched today, on the opening day of the CV Show. It draws upon the combined strength of all independent Michelin Truck Professional (MTP) dealers and ATS Euromaster centres to offer a rapid-response network of more than 300 commercial vehicle-ready service points.

Fleets benefit from competitive fixed pricing, a two hour response window and Michelin policy fitment rates which will exceed 90 per cent.

Additional benefits for ONCall customers New Michelin ONCall service include a 12 month guarantee on all new Michelin tyres fitted, full access to their individual Michelin Remix casing bank and 30-day payment terms.

Richard Bezzant, MTP Programme Manager, says: “Operators need the reassurance of a roadside assistance service they can count on in an emergency – no matter where a vehicle is, or the time of day or night.

“We’ve developed Michelin ONCall from the ground up to ensure it combines everything our customers tell us they want from a tyre assistance service in a single package. No job is too big or too small, and our UK-based call centre team will keep the customer informed every step of the way.”

Fixed menu pricing enables customers to know exactly how much a call-out will cost before they dial 0845 362 8521 for assistance. All invoicing is processed centrally by Michelin, ensuring a customer will be invoiced directly by their local dealer, regardless of where in the UK or Ireland the job was carried out.

All roadside call-outs placed through ONCall will be attended by REACT-accredited technicians, giving the customer complete confidence that the technician will work in a safe and competent manner.

To register for the Michelin ONCall service, customers should contact their local Michelin account manager or emailmichelin.oncall@uk.michelin.com For full terms and conditions, including the fixed menu pricing, please visit www.trucks.michelin.co.uk.

Great Gas Kilbeggan

We are pleased to annouce that we are opening a new facility for the ‘Lorry Drivers’ at our new site (Great Gas Service Station, Old Dublin Road, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath).

The site includes the following facilities

• Competitive fuel price • Free bath showers * • Designated truck parking • Free wifi • Sitting area for relaxing • Fresh hot and cold deli • Bewleys fresh beans coffee • Pay zone • DCI cards and many more ...

• Free bath showers facility is only available for truck drivers and from 15th May to 15th June 2014. Charges will apply after 15th June.

18

LD Lines confirm resumption of Rosslare routes

LD Lines has confirmed that their Rosslare – Saint-Nazaire (France) – Gijón (Spain) route will resume with departures from Gijón on 17 June followed by Saint Nazaire on 18 June and finally Rosslare on 20 June 2014.

Departures from Rosslare are at 2100 on Friday evenings, arriving in Saint Nazaire at 1900 on Saturdays before reaching the final destination of Gijón on Sundays at 1300.

Northbound the vessel departs Gijón on Tuesdays at 2200 and Saint Nazaire at 2359 on Wednesdays before arriving in Rosslare at 2145 on Thursdays.

Gary Andrews of LD Lines stated; “We are delighted to confirm the resumption of our service, offering Irish hauliers the easiest routes to Western France and Spain. Beating the French driving ban by arriving in Spain on Sunday evenings, freight is placed ready for Monday morning deliveries across Spain, Portugal, France and further afield.”

The route is operated by the modern 550-passenger Norman Atlantic which as well as catering for tourist traffic can accommodate both regular freight types and most abnormal loads.

LD Lines also operate routes from Poole to Santander, Poole to Gijon and the direct Saint Nazaire – Gijón service.

Huge drop in exports

There was a drop of €732 million in exports during the month of March, according to Central Statistics Office figures. The CSO figures show that the value of exported goods stands at €6.9m while the value of goods imported increased by 12%. This means the money the State makes from exports is down by €732m or 23% - the lowest it has fallen since July 2008. Pharmaceutical products experienced one of the largest drops in exports, down 10%.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

truck news designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 16:11 Page 18

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Port of Cork lodge planning application for Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment

Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment east view

The Port of Cork Company has lodged a planning application with An Bord Pleanála for the Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment project in the lower harbour. The application is being made under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act. The planning application to An Bord Pleanála includes the following redevelopments under which will form an extension to the existing facilities which currently operate at Ringaskiddy.

The Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment project consists of four key areas: Ringaskiddy East (Container Berths and Multi-purpose Berth (CB/ (MPB)) • A new 314m Container Berth 1/ Multipurpose Berth that will be capable of accommodating vessels carrying a range of different cargoes including containers, freight and general cargoes;

• An additional 200m Container Berth 2 • Surfacing of existing port lands to provide operational areas; • Dredging of the seabed (at new berths) to a level of -13.0 m Chart Datum (CD); • Demolition of existing link-span • Installation of link-span comprising a floating pontoon and access bridge; • Installation of container handling cranes and terminal transport equipment; • Maintenance building, administrative buildings and entrance kiosks; and • Ancillary car parking, lighting and fencing.

Ringaskiddy West (Deep-water Berth Extension) • A new 182m extension to the existing Deep-water Berth (DWB) which will comprise a filled quay structure extending no further seaward than the edge of the existing DWB; • Dredging works (within Ringaskiddy basin) to varying levels to facilitate navigational access to the new facilities; and • Lighting.

Road Improvements • Improvements to the external road entrance into the Ringaskiddy Deep-water Terminal and to Ringaskiddy West; • Improvements to the internal link road between Ringaskiddy East and Ringaskiddy West; • Road improvement works within the existing harbour lands at Ringaskiddy East; • Improvements to internal road network at Ringaskiddy East to facilitate future access to the N28; and • Lighting and fencing.

Paddy’s Point Amenity Area • Construction of a new public pier, slipway and boarding platform; • New planting and landscaping to provide public amenity area; • Boat storage, lighting and fencing.

These plans are the first phase of the implementation of the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan Review (2010), the core principles of which were endorsed in the National Ports Policy, which highlighted Cork as a Tier 1 port of national significance. This Policy also identified the continued commercial development of the Port of Cork Company as a key strategic objective.

Over the last twelve months, the Port of Cork has carried out a number public open days and public consultation, to both inform and listen to the stakeholders around the harbour. Where possible, the comments from residents and communities within the harbour were considered and some amendments were made to the proposed plans presented at the time.

Speaking about the planning application, Brendan Keating, Chief Executive, Port of Cork said: “We have had constructive pre-application engagement with An Bord Pleanala to date and we are pleased to be lodging our planning application for Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment today. Our needs as a port of national significance have not changed and as a Tier 1 port, the Port of Cork must be able to meet the needs of the region and those of our customers.”

He continued: “Being able to accommodate larger vessels is of utmost importance if the Port of Cork is to remain competitive and future proof Cork as an international gateway for trade.”

The key drivers of the rationale and need for the proposed Ringaskiddy Port Developments include the existing physical constraints in handling larger vessels and the changing nature of port activities, including the trend towards port-centred logistics. Addressing these needs would allow the Port of Cork to meet and secure its future development potential, and this would translate into significant quantified economic benefits for Cork and the surrounding region, as well as the national economy The Port of Cork is a key link to the economic success of Ireland, in particular the entire Munster region. 98% of goods imported or exported from Ireland are moved by ship, highlighting the importance of ports to our economy.

The application documents including the Environmental Impact Statement and Natura Impact Statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) during public opening hours for a period of seven weeks commencing on 8th May 2014 at the following locations: • The Offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1; • The Offices of Cork County Council, County Hall, Cork; The application documents may also be viewed on the following website: http://www.ringaskiddyportredevelopment.ie from Friday 2nd May 2014.

A further public copy will be available for viewing only, during public opening hours, at The Foyer of National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, from Tuesday 6th May 2014.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Boreman Ltd Full Page_Layout 1 23/05/2014 10:08 Page 1

“Boreman Ltd are proud to once again be the main sponsors for the Full of the Pipe truck show in Cavan Equestrian Centre.

www.boremanltd.com

SDC/AD/ Text_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:05 Page 1

SDC Truck and Trailer Parts open in Dublin

SDC Parts, a leading service, price and quality service to our customers supplier of high quality of goods have been an throughout Ireland.”

Truck and Trailer parts integral part of the throughout Ireland is company’s growing “The Dublin branch will opening a new branch in success over the years. offer Haulage operators Dublin to meet the Speaking about the easy access to our parts demands of their growing company’s growth, SDC stock and if customers customer base. With over Parts Manager Gavin are unable to get to our twenty-five years serving Diamond said: “We have trade counter, they can Ireland’s Haulage and had sales representatives take advantage of our Transport industries the working in Southern same day delivery service. company have Ireland for almost ten Another reason why experienced steady years now, so we are well customers choose SDC growth having opened positioned to open our Parts is that our staff are new Parts Branches in first Parts Branch here. fully trained to offer Belfast and Newry in the The expansion was technical back-up and last two years. The necessary to ensure we they have many years of ongoing expansion and can continue to provide a experience and product enhancement of SDC’s prompt and competitive knowledge.” parts service is highly indicative of the company’s continued Key facts about SDC Parts: dedication and • Four strategic parts locations in Toomebridge, Newry, Belfast and Dublin commitment to provide •10,500 sq ft parts warehouse, based in Toomebridge, Co. Antrim the very best customer • 20 SDC Parts vehicles operating across Ireland • High Quality truck and trailer parts service available in the • Over 5,000 products in stock marketplace today.

• Highly competitive pricing SDC Parts has become the ‘one stop shop’ for Ireland’s transport operators with a wider than ever range of parts, backed by market leading expertise and excellent customer service. The new branch in Rosemount Business Park will carry an extensive range of truck and trailers parts from SDC Part’s 5,000+ product lines purchasing from the industries market leaders.

• Expert parts personnel with over twenty-five years’ experience • Same day or next day courier service • Four Sales representatives in the South of Ireland • Detailed, easy-to-use truck and trailer parts catalogue (Edition 3 available June 14) • Member of the SDC Trailers Group - one of the largest trailer manufacturers in Europe • Sister company FP and S is the largest Truck and Trailer parts supplier in England and Wales

The key principles of

Together with parent company SDC Trailers, the group’s purchasing power ensures that customers do not have to pay over the odds for parts. Gavin added “SDC Parts are continually sourcing and developing our products worldwide to ensure our customers get the best price and product offered.

While our range is comprehensive, there may be times when we haven’t got a particular part, but that can be readily sourced and ordered for next day delivery, as we recognise operators cannot afford the luxury of unnecessary downtime.”

The new Dublin office is due to open mid-June providing Haulage operators’ full access to the extensive SDC parts stock. In additional to this, SDC Parts offer a same day delivery service for customers who are unable to get to the trade counter. The company is also launching a new Parts catalogue in June, ensuring their customers are up to date with the latest supply of high quality truck and trailer parts to make the identification and ordering process much easier.

For more information contact SDC Parts SDC Parts, Dublin SDC Parts, Belfast Unit B2 Centrepoint, Rosemount Business Park, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 Unit 5b Duncrue Cresent, Belfast, BT3 9BW. Tel: 0044 (0)28 9077 2070, Fax: 0044 (0)28 9077 4007 SDC Parts, Toomebridge 116 Deerpark Rd, Toomebridge, Co. Antrim, BT41 3S. Tel: 0044 (0)28 7965 0765 Fax: 0044 (0)28 7965 1171

SDC Parts, Newry Unit 3B, Lisduff Business Park, Carnbane Industrial Estate, Newry, Co. Down, BT35 6QH. Tel: 0044 (0)28 3025 1977 Fax: 0044 (0)28 3025 6085

SDC/AD/ Text_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:05 Page 2

kill haulage designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 17:15 Page 1

T

Kill Haulage has been trading since 1999

The company specialises in truck and crane hire

allaght native Geoff Dunne moved out the road to Kill as a 19-year-old in 1996 and set up Kill Haulage three years later. He has since been joined in the business by his brother Jonathan and sister Alison.

The siblings had grown up around trucks, with their father Christy having worked in the transport sector for over 30 years.

“He worked for builders providers in the Dublin area, so the industry was very familiar to us. We still do a fair bit of work for builders providers – many of who our dad passed on to us – but we have a lot of other customers from other sectors also,” Geoff explains.

“When I set up this company, I decided to branch out into general haulage with truck-mounted crane hire. That decision has stood to us because, as everyone knows, the construction industry took an awful hit during the recession. But we seem to be coming out on the right side of it now and we’ve managed to keep on top of our finances, which has been vital to staying in business.”

The family-run business has established a tradition of reliability, value-for-money and total dedication to customer service. Kill Haulage prides itself on providing an unrivalled service to its customers, catering for all types of transport for both individuals and companies. It offers a full lifting solution for your requirements with truck-mounted crane hire, saving the customer the additional expense of hiring a mobile crane.

No job is too big or too small.

Kill Haulage operates a fleet of 12 trucks, comprising 10 Scania and one Isuzu and Mercedes-Benz each, as well as seven trailers. The vehicles are equipped with Palfinger and HIAB cranes with lifting capacity from six tonnes to 72 tonnes.

The company can lift anything from cabins and containers, tanks, building materials and scaffolding to boats, machinery

Kill Haulage is family-run

and stone and slabs. About 95 per cent of its work is carried out in Ireland, with the remaining five per cent in the UK. “We do a few runs to England, but nearly all of our work is concentrated here in Ireland,” Geoff says.

“Our crane hire and lifting service provides on-site relocation and installation. We work closely with cabin hire companies for the transport and installation of site office complexes. We also do a lot of work for builders providers, plant hire and event management firms. We are involved in quite a bit of music concert work. It has been a growing market for us.”

Kill Haulage has built up an impressive client list which includes Chadwick’s, HSS Hire, Laois Hire, Fridge Rentals, Pak

Kill Haulage 15 years a-growing Truck and crane hire specialist Kill Haulage is celebrating 15 years in business, so what better time than now to profile the successful Co. Kildare-based company.

CONTACT DETAILS 24

Kill Haulage Porterstown, Kill, Co. Kildare Tel: 045 877131 Mobile: 087 8626527 Email: killhaulage@gmail.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Geoff Dun fleet o

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Plant Ltd, Boston Access, A-Space Cabins and Norspace Ltd. Chadwick’s are one of the c o u n t r y ’ s foremost builders merchants, with o u t l e t s throughout Leinster, Munster and Connacht.

HHS and Laois Hire both specialise in tool and equipment hire, while Fridge Rentals is Ireland’s leading commercial fridge rental company.

Also based in Kill, Pak Plant is a subsidiary of Euro Gas Ltd which was founded in 1999 to serve a growing requirement for specifiers and contractors for the provision of off-site solutions to sites. Boston Access is a scaffold board supplier operating from Naas, Co. Kildare. A-Space Cabins and Norspace Ltd are both specialist suppliers of modular and temporary accommodation.

Geoff usually buys his Scania trucks from Delaney Commercials in Naas, while Rathcoole Motors look after his servicing and DOE testing needs. He also carries out repairs and maintenance in-house. Employing 11 staff, Kill Haulage operates from a large yard, workshop and office in Kill, which is situated just off the busy M7 motorway and close to the Kildare-Dublin boundary.

“We can be in Dublin within a matter of minutes. That’s where most of our work is carried out,” the affable managing director points out.

At the time of writing, Geoff was due to take delivery of a 2008registered Scania truck, which he bought from McElvaney Motors. The truck was being fitted with a 50-tonne crane by Ivan Bennett of Bennett Truck Bodies in Stradbally, Co. Laois.

Despite being in competition with one another, Geoff reveals how Ireland’s truck and crane hire specialists enjoy an excellent working relationship: “There is plenty of competition between us all but, by and large, we get on well and help out each other. If I haven’t got a crane suitable for a certain job, I will give it to someone else and he will return the favour. That’s the way it works. We work well together.”

He concludes by saying: “The first 15 years have gone okay for us, despite the economic downturn of the past six or seven years. If we can keep going the way we are, we’ll be happy.”

Geoff Dunne operates a fleet of 12 trucks IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

J&R Tyres

Best Wishes To Kill Haulage From Specialists In

VULCANISING TYRES TRUCK & TRACTOR TYRES Prosperous, Co. Kildare

Telephone: 086-8593187 Continued Best Wishes To Kill Haulage, From

CRANE SALES & SERVICE TRUCK BODY BUILDING

NEWLY APPOINTED AGENTS FOR LIV TIMBER & RECYCLING TRUCK MOUNTED CRANES

Market Square, Stradbally, Co.Laois T: +353 (0)57 86 25245 T: +353 (0)57 86 25928 M: +353 (0)87 6891486 www.josephbennett.ie

Best Wishes & Continued Success To KILL HAULAGE From

Naas Industrial Estate,Naas,Co. Kildare.

Tel: 045-889028 Web: bostonaccess.eu

The trucks are equipped with Palfinger and HIAB cranes

A pair of mini-diggers ready for off

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Tip Trailers designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:24 Page 1

A fully-integrated services provider TIP Trailer Services is moving with the times. e company has undergone significant change in recent months and now finds itself in an even stronger position than ever before. Since being taken over by HNA Group late last year, substantial new business has been generated. Irish Trucker met up with Michael Murphy – general manager at TIP’s Dublin branch – to discuss the enormous progress being made at this proactive company, which is now a fully-integrated service provider.

CONTACT DETAILS 26

For more information about TIP Trailer Services Ltd. please contact Michael Murphy Mobile: 087 2571301 Office: 01-8444144 Email: michael.murphy1@ge.com Alternatively, you can call into him or any of his staff at Airport Business Park, Swords, Co. Dublin IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Tip Trailers designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:24 Page 2

O

ne of Europe's l e a d i n g equipment services providers specialising in leasing and rental of trailers, tankers and other equipment as well as providing a range of value-added, smart services to transportation and logistics customers across Europe (including maintenance, damage repair, fleet management and telematics) - TIP Trailer Services Ltd. made international headlines in October, 2013 when it was acquired by HNA Group.

A well-respected conglomerate based in China with assets of $57bn and a generated revenue in 2012 of $19bn, HNA Group Co. Limited has

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

interests in transportation, logistics, tourism, financial services, real estate, airport and retail. HNA owns 15 airlines in China and Hong Kong, including Hainan Airlines, the fourth-largest airline in China.

Securing the diversified Chinese industrial and services provider as a parent company has significantly strengthened TIP Trailer Service’s position in services to the global transportation and logistics industries.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, TIP supplies its customers with products and services from over 100 locations. TIP owns and manages approximately 48,000 units and boasts one of the largest and most diversified fleets in Europe.

“The acquisition of TIP into our portfolio is a good strategic fit, complementing our existing investments in worldwide aircraft leasing, marine container leasing and ship leasing. We are very pleased to be acquiring an excellent GE management team who we fully support. We continue to strengthen our transportation finance and services capabilities internationally, and we intend to grow TIP Trailer Services during the coming years.” said Tan Xiangdong, Vice-Chairman and President of HNA. Bob Fast, CEO of TIP, added: “We are pleased to be joining the HNA Group, who have a demonstrated history of success growing transportation finance businesses. We intend

27

Tip Trailers designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:24 Page 3

manufacturers and banks, allowing it to find the best possible solution to any transportrelated requirement.

As a major player, HNA Group is investing significantly in equipment, infrastructure and people to help execute TIP Europe’s current growth strategy. Since the acquisition, a number of new fleet orders have been secured.

“In Ireland, we would traditionally be a trailer and rental business but in the past number of years we have become an integrated services provider,” Michael Murphy notes. “We offer long-term and short-term leases and have also invested in mobile service units. We upkeep and maintain our 600+ rental and lease trailers from our own depot and also provide thirdparty maintenance for 300 other trailer operators.”

“As a fully-integrated services provider, the four pillars we are concentrating on are FleetOptions (leasing, options QUALITY PARTS, QUALITY SERVICE & QUALITY PRICES and sales); FleetCare (maintenance, tyres, roadside SPECIALISTS IN ALL assistance, damage repair); TRUCK & TRAILER PARTS ALSO SPECIALISING IN CAR & BOAT TRAILER PARTS INCLUDING JOCKEY WHEELS, BEARING KITS BRAKE SHOE KITS, LIGHTS, TOW HITCHS STOCKISTS OF GENUINE BPW, MERITOR & SAF PARTS

to be the partner of choice in our market by continuing to offer the high standards of care, service and reliability on which our customers have come to rely.”

Established in 1968, TIP Trailer Services provides transportation and logistics customers with leasing, rental, maintenance and other value-added solutions. With more than 70 branches located throughout 16 countries, it provide a vast range of services - specifying, sourcing, financing, maintaining, managing and remarketing the equipment through its experienced teams.

A one-stop-shop that manages all relationships and needs via a single point of contact, TIP offers value-added services which customers can combine to best suit their needs. It is the only true panEuropean provider of these services and works independently from equipment

FleetIntelligence (consulting, fleet advice, telematics) and FleetProtect (damage protection, minor damage repairs, tyre care).

FleetOptions portfolio consists of leasing, rental, sales and equipment.

FleetCare offers preventative and corrective maintenance services for entire fleets through TIP’s extensive network of European workshops. The company provides damage repair support and a compliance management service to ensure that uptime is maximised and freight stays on the move.

FleetCare gives access to 5,000 guaranteed and qualified service points across Europe and roadside assistance with mobile maintenance vans available 24/7, 365 days a year.

FleetIntelligence offers consulting advice, state-of-the-art tracking and tracing technology and online services to ensure best-possible performance and improved profitability. A team of experts is available to help increase overall fleet productivity and profitability. User-friendly solutions use the best-in-class technology to help track and trace equipment and freight.

FleetProtect offers various protection plans provide that cover against cost resulting from damage, theft or loss to leased or rented equipment, including an optional package for tyre protection.

Looking to the future, Michael concludes on a very positive note: “We have a new owner who is prepared to put money into TIP Trailer Services. We have been transformed from a trailer rental and leasing company into an integrated services provider. HNA has bought into our growth strategy and we will be looking at further growth in the coming years.”

79 NORTH STRAND ROAD, NORTH STRAND, DUBLIN 3 TEL: 01-8364544 FAX: 01-8559905 EMAIL: info@bftrailers.com Website: www.bandftrailerspares.ie Best Wishes To TIP Trailer Services

28

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Tip Trailers designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:25 Page 4

Naas, Co. Kildare Telephone: +353 (0)45 866468 | Email: fastpartsnaas@dennisontrailers.com

John Browne 087-7987003 | Joe Bergin 087-1224435 www.dennisontrailers.com

Proud to be associated with TIP Trailer Services Quality guaranteed with quality products

O’SHEA COMMERCIALS LTD.

TRAILER REPAIRS, SALES & SERVICE

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME Portgloriam, Kilcock, Co. Kildare Office: 01- 651 9334 Fax: 01- 651 9335 Email: John@osheacommercials.ie

Wishing Continued Success To TIP Trailer Services

Best Wishes To TIP Trailer Services, From

TAGGART TRAILER REPAIR L IMITED

24 HOUR SERVICE

The Rath, Kilmore, Kilcock, Co. Meath.

Tel/ Fax: 046-955 8567 | Mobile: 087-904 5390 Email: taggarttrailerrepairs@eircom.net IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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T

The refurbished premises in Newrath

om Geraghty Tyre Services Ltd. was established in 1981 and was the first independent tyre company in Waterford. Since then, it has become the premier tyre business in Waterford city and county for choice, service and price.

Rated No.1 in in the county by The Irish Tyre Trade Journal, Tom Geraghty Tyre

Services has two outlets – at Grattan Quay and Newrath.

While the Grattan Quay depot focuses primarily on car, van and 4x4 tyres and alloy wheels (as well as batteries and four-wheel alignment), Newrath specialises in commercial vehicle tyres and wheel alignment (as well as truck wheel balancing).

Being truly independent is one of the company’s greatest strengths. As they are not affiliated to any tyre manufacturer but instead focus on supplying the customer with the best brand to suit each individual requirement, they are the only tyre company in Waterford to stock all major tyre brands including (but not limited to) Continental, Dunlop, Michelin,

Waterford’s premier tyre company With outlets at Grattan Quay in the city centre and Newrath on the outskirts of the city, Tom Geraghty Tyre Services Ltd. is Waterford’s No.1 tyre retail company. Irish Trucker met up with the eponymous founder / proprietor to take a closer look at the history and current well-being of this long-running family business as well as the extensive range of products and services on offer.

CONTACT DETAILS 30

Tom Geraghty Tyres

Old Dublin Road, Newrath, Waterford City, Co. Waterford Tel: 051 857666 Fax: 051 856358 Email: tgts@eircom.net www.tomgeraghtytyres.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Tom Geraghty designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:46 Page 2

Bridgestone, Goodyear, Uniroyal, Firestone, Pirelli, BF Goodrich etc.

Tom Geraghty Tyre Services Ltd. also carries the largest stock of alloy wheels in Ireland outside of Dublin, which can be seen at the original Grattan Quay premises. Combining their expertise in tyres and alloys, they also offer the best value on alloy wheel and tyre packages Batteries – be it car, commercial or agricultural machinery - are another major part of the business, with a huge

Tom Geraghty started the business in 1981 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Mill River Business Park, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary.

Peters Mobile: 087 -257 1026

T: 051 - 640439

E.mail :info@whitechurchtransport.com www.whitechurchtransport.com

Continued Best Wishes To Tom Geraghty Tyres Continued Best Wishes To Tom Geraghty Tyres Supplying Batteries Throughout Ireland

HEAD OFFICE Brandrum, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan T:+353 (0)47 84473 M: +353 (0)86 8318999 E: sales@monbatt.com www.monbatt.ie ALSO NOW OPEN AT Unit 2 Naas Rd Ind Est., Muirfield Drive, Inchicore, Dublin 12.

T: +353 (0)1 460 4828

stock of heavy-duty batteries carried in both garages at all times.

Established in the mid-90s to cater for the needs of commercial vehicle operators first and foremost, the wellappointed Newrath depot is located just off the main Dublin/Kilkenny Road out of Waterford city and stocks a vast quantity of makes and sizes of tyres to suit all commercial vehicles. These vary in size from 205/75r17.5 light truck to 425/65×22.5 commercial trailer, including Michelin, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Firestone, Hankook, Double Coin etc.

In addition, Tom Geraghty Tyre Services, Newrath also balances, torques and tracks steering on trucks as well as offering a full 24/7 nationwide breakdown service to established customers. Car servicing is also offered from this facility.

Between the two premises – each of which is furnished with a state-of-the-art

32

workshop including all the latest equipment – a team of 16 is employed at this stellar family business, most of them long-term employees of Tom Geraghty Tyre Services who have vast experience of the tyre trade. Both retail and trade customers are catered for, all across Waterford city and county – and sometimes beyond! – with a call-out service available within a 30mile radius of the city.

The proprietor is pleased to note that business is quite brisk these days: “We’re very busy at the moment,” he says.

“Business is going well and we are in a good position going forward.

We’ve invested a lot of money in renovations to both premises over the last 18 months. You have to stay ahead of the posse.”

Tom admits that the tyre industry is almost unrecognisable today compared to when he set the business up 33 years ago.

Back then, a tyre was a tyre

Best Wishes To Tom Geraghty Tyres From

McCarthy Insurance Group, 2&3/4 South Mall, Cork

Tel: 021- 4279999 | Email: info@mig.ie

Branches throughout Ireland Cork City | Fermoy |Mitchelstown | Bantry Dunmanway |Skibbereen | Rathmore Castlemaine | Tralee |Dungarvan |Dublin

Charles McCarthy Insurances Ltd. t/a as McCarthy Insurance Group/ Bestquote McCarthy/ McCarthy Financial Services / O’Riordan Insurances/ Commercial Insurance Brokers is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

BEST WISHES TO TOM GERAGHTY TYRES IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Tom Geraghty designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:47 Page 4

…. today there is a vast array of sizes and tyre types and technology has come along in leaps and bounds. “Things have changed a lot. When I started, we did most of the tyres by hand,” he recalls.

Ultimately, the bottom line for customers when they are seeking new tyres is price. “If you are not competitive, then you are wasting your time – it’s as simple as that,” Tom confirms. “At the end of the day, people want the best price possible. We buy in bulk and we give an excellent service. By buying in bulk, we are able to pass on

savings to our customers. We carry a huge stock of tyres at all times – one of the largest in the south of Ireland. Nine times out of ten we would have the exact tyre in stock that a customer needs.

When we don’t have it in stock, we can source it straight away.”

Looking to the future, Tom says he will soon be passing the reins over to the second generation of the Geraghty family: “If we can get over the remainder of this recession and make the best of it, that’s about all you can do,” he concludes. “As far as expansion and the long-term future of the

business is concerned, I have two sons involved now – David and Mark – and it is up to them. I’m 44 years in the tyre industry now and I’ve done my bit.

We have a good strong business here at the minute and it’s up to them to bring it forward if they want to.”

Whatever happens, Waterford’s No.1 tyre specialist will no doubt continue to provide the same outstanding range of products and excellent service for which they’ve become renowned over the past three decades and more.

Best Wishes To Tom Geraghty Tyres From

Continued Best Wishes To Tom Geraghty Tyres

Contact Brendan Brennan 086-7766846 or Sean Casey 087-9886311 | E:sales@nexgenerationtyres.ie | www.nexgenerationtyres.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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carroll freight designed_Layout 1 20/05/2014 16:27 Page 1

I

n March of this year, leading Irish logistics company Carroll Freight Ltd.– based in Tullow, County Carlow - increased the size of it’s already-considerable fleet with the addition of six new Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks.

Supplied by Somers Commercials, main distributor for Mercedes-Benz in the South East, of which Carroll Freight is a long-standing customer, the six 1845LS Actros tractor units can be seen on Irish roads, finished in the company’s distinctive orange livery.

Commenting on the deal, Pat Kenny of Somers Commercials, Camolin said he was “proud to supply these new vehicles to a long standing customer, knowing the reputation the Actros has gained in terms of comfort, driving dynamics and

most importantly, fuel economy”.

Fourteen years after its inception, Carroll Freight Ltd. is going from strength and the latest additions to the impressive fleet are indicative of the exciting, progressive times that prevail at the company right now.

Reflecting on the genesis of the business, founder / MD Conor Carroll notes: “I had operated as a sole trader for thirteen years from 1987 and then established Carroll Freight as a limited company in 2000.”Conor grew up around trucks, so it was a natural path to choose: “My dad was a fuel merchant, selling coal and briquettes, and I worked for him first and then got into general haulage. After that, I started to specialise in groupage across Ireland and the UK.”

Supplementing an already-stunning fleet ...

Unprecedented growth at Carroll Freight Carroll Freight Ltd. is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and this was underlined by their decision to purchase six new Mercedes-Benz trucks in March, 2014. We caught up with founder Conor Carroll to discuss these exciting times for the Carlow-based company.

CONTACT DETAILS 34

Carroll Freight Ltd. Tullow Business Park, Tullow, County Carlow Tel: 01 4620076, 059 9152154 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

carroll freight designed_Layout 1 20/05/2014 16:28 Page 2

Carroll Freight has purchased six new Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks and trailers to fulfil a new contract with Auger Germany Conor and Carroll Freight run approximately 70 trailers

Like all operators, Conor remembers the first truck he bought as if it was yesterday! “The first one I bought was a Mercedes off the late Jim Somers in 1987. I have a long history with the Somerses and I’m still doing business with them today. That first truck was a twelve-tonne Mercedes rigid and I used it to draw coal for my father.”

Gradually, Conor grew the business in an organic manner and today he operates a fleet of 55 trucks – a mixture of Mercedes, Renault and MAN mostly – and runs around 70 trailers, either box bodies or curtains. To maintain this substantial fleet, he oversees a state-ofthe-art, purpose-built commercial garage with five full-time mechanics. The Carroll Freight vehicles are preserved in pristine condition at all times and no stone is left unturned in ensuring that they meet all IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

35

carroll freight designed_Layout 1 20/05/2014 16:28 Page 3

safety requirements, look fantastic and work hard. Is the garage / workshop service extended to other companies? “It’s in-house but if any of the local operators ever require any repairs I certainly wouldn’t see them stuck.”

The fleet is fresh and is in a constant state of regeneration. “The rigids range from the mid-00s up and the tractor units would range from ’07 up,” states Conor. “We tend to add six to eight new vehicles every year.

“At present, Carroll Freight averages between 120 and 130 loads per week in and out of the UK, from groupage to unit loads. We have a fleet improvement / upgrading programme in place and we expect to add more new vehicles later this year.”

The six new Mercedes Actros trucks acquired in

36

Parked and ready to roll!

Carroll Freight is now delivering truck and trailer components for Auger in Cologne, Germany

March were purchased especially to fulfil a contract on behalf of a customer called Auger Germany. “They manufacture truck and trailer components and supply the motor trade across Ireland and the UK,” Conor explains.

“We acquired the six new tractor units and trailers to work directly for Auger, doing their distribution in this region.

“They have a large warehouse in Cologne, Germany and another one here in Carlow. We collect in bulk from Cologne and break the parts down in Carlow and then redistribute to Ireland and the UK. We would collect a load in Cologne every day, making deliveries to wholesalers in the UK and then come back to Carlow.

Small vans are then used to distribute to the AUGER wholesalers in Ireland.”

Things have never been better for Carroll Freight Ltd., IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

carroll freight designed_Layout 1 20/05/2014 16:28 Page 4

www.augerautotechnik.de

Email: info@auger.ie

Contact: Irish Office 059 9152143/54

carroll freight designed_Layout 1 20/05/2014 16:28 Page 5

Best Wishes To Carroll Freight

38

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

carroll freight designed_Layout 1 20/05/2014 16:28 Page 6

who currently provide direct employment to a team of 78. But this success story hasn’t happened by accident. Conor has always believed in the business and he invested in the company both through the good years and the tougher times.

“We became very aggressive chasing work some years ago,” he recalls. “We operate 100% on-time deliveries and our customers are very happy with that. Our reliability fuels the business and that’s where the new Mercedes-Benzes come in. Efficiency is everything in this line of work. These trucks offer brilliant fuel economy and driver comfort and that’s why we gave Somers Commercials the order.

“They are great people to do business with. The family approach they have in place in the south east is a great advantage. They offer a personal service and a hands-on approach and they were the people we wanted to deal with.

“We will be sticking with Mercedes for

These six beauties increased the Carroll Freight Ltd. fleet size to an impressive 55!

the foreseeable future and we have no plans to buy anything other than Mercedes. Their reliability, low diesel consumption and driver comfort are top of the range.”

Carroll Freight is still expanding and Conor says he is always on the look-out for new business: “We have a customer service team in place to check customer satisfaction and to back up our sales team and we are always on the lookout for new opportunities.”

Looking to the future, Conor is optimistic about the long-term viability of his self-made company: “We believe that this is a difficult but promising time to be in transport.

Transport has its obvious difficulties

Conor Carroll has been operating Mercedes trucks since 1987

and everybody knows about them, but we are overcoming these with: our own in-house garage; a team of IT specialists; and through rigorous training of staff in all aspects of transport.

“We have pushed on for work and have expanded our fleet and staff numbers and have never taken a step backwards.

We have grown year on year, including growth of about 10-15% for the last couple of years.

“Going forward, these are very encouraging times for Carroll Freight Ltd. We believe that there will be a lot of opportunities because of the strong business model we have in place.

“All of our staff are fully trained in every aspect of their work and we have a very small turnover of employees, which always helps. I’m hands-on myself and am available around the clock. I have an excellent team around me – from the Transport Managers to our accountants, the drivers, mechanics etc. – and they are all experienced, motivated and knowledgeable. We are in a strong position going forward.”

Congratulations and best wishes to Carroll Freight From

FROM HAULAGE LICENCES TO HIGH BAY WAREHOUSES....

FROM FUEL REBATES TO REEFERS...

WE KNOW THE LOGISTICS INDUSTRY!

We are a firm of accountants who focus on Driving Great Business Performance.

Having seen the industry close up and advised many companies we have gained a unique understanding. We have advised and supported IRHA in training members.

Contract pricing Improving efficiency Business Acquisition & Disposal Family Succession Planning Raising Finance

Contact us on 01-4293600 or email: gerry@newmarket.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

39

O'Keeffe designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:17 Page 1

Gary (left) and Bernard O’Keeffe with a load of oak and beech that they cut and will process for firewood

Wood you believe O’Keeffe Sawmills is 40 years old Waterford-based O'Keeffe Sawmills is celebrating 40 years in business this year. Production manager Bernard O'Keeffe charts the company's journey to becoming one of the country's most competitive pallet manufacturers and more besides.

CONTACT DETAILS 40

O’Keeffe Sawmills Ltd. Deerpark, Lismore, Co. Waterford Tel: 058 54040 Fax: 058 54161 Email: okeefesawmills@eircom.net IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

O'Keeffe designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:17 Page 2

A

family run operation headed by managing director Gerard O'Keeffe with son Bernard as production manager, O'Keeffe Sawmills Ltd employ 19 staff which rises during peak times.

The Lismore company supply wooden pallets, boxes, crates, construction timber, timber decking, timber gates and garden fencing to businesses and individuals throughout Ireland and 2014 is a milestone year in their illustrious history as they celebrated 40 years in business back in April.

They boast a wide customer base in counties Waterford, Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Carlow and Kildare and, for over 20 years, they have manufactured quality Irish products from their state-ofthe-art facility at Lismore.

Over the years the core sectors of O'Keeffe Sawmills' business has grown to meet their customers demands.

The company started out life as a timber processor but diversified as time went on and they are now regarded first and foremost as a pallet manufacturer.

“The company started out 40 years ago processing timber and cutting it up for roofing, farm buildings and post and rail fencing,” production manager Bernard explained.

“We diversified into timber

Blocks in storage at O’Keeffe Sawmills

pallets 20 years ago and that arm of the business – pallets, boxes, crates and so on - has overgrown the processing of timber.”

One of the first companies in Ireland to purchase a semi-

O’Keeffe Sawmills are celebrating 40 years in business IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

auto chomper firewood processor, with financial assistance from the Waterford Leader Partnership, O'Keeffe's specialise in both standard and off-standard size pallets,

made to customer's specifications and can also supply new and reconditioned pallets to meet the most demanding customers.

They are registered with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) to manufacture and supply kiln dried, heat treated pallets suitable for export to the US, Canada, New Zealand, China etc.

Their product portfolio also includes a full range of construction timbers for the building trade, decking materials, garden panels, boxes and crates and post and rail.

With a fleet of four trucks on the road, they believe in working hard to deliver quality products to their customers.

“We've a hell of a lot of experience under our belt,”

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Bob Troy & Co. Ltd Continued Best Wishes To O’Keeffe Sawmills, From

38 O’Connell St., Dungarvan, Waterford T:058-41590 E: bobtroyandco@gmail.com www.bobtroyandco.ie

For all your forest & garden sales & servicing needs!

YOUR ONLY HUSQVARNA CENTRE IN CO. WATERFORD

Best Wishes To O’Keeffe Sawmills, From

James Murphy Transport

Fermoy, Co. Cork | Tel: 086-3822721 Continued Best Wishes To O’Keeffe Sawmills

HOME HEATING OIL | FARMING | INDUSTRY SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE FULL WORKSHOP REPAIRS U BREAK IT WE FIX IT

Best Wishes & Continued Success To O’Keeffe Sawmills, From Pat & Mark Byrne

YAWL HAULAGE LTD General Haulage Contractors

Foxhall, Youghal, Co. Cork Contact Pat 087-2531650 Contact Mark 086-3630236 E:yawlhaulageltd@gmail.com

Tallow, Co. Waterford Contact Mike on 086-2059157 E: tfcoils@gmail.com | www.tfcoil.com

ROCHE’S TYRES

Continued Best Wishes To O’Keeffe Sawmills

Shop & Service Station

Ballysaggart, Lismore, Co. Waterford Telephone:058-54185 M: 087-2512545 | M: 087-2842245 Email: deirdre@rochestyres.ie www.rochestyres.ie

David Allen ENGINEERING & AGRI SALES Best Wishes & Continued Success To O’Keeffe Sawmills David Allen Engineering & Agri Sales Janeville, Tallow, Co. Waterford Telephone: 058-55883 Email: dpallen@eircom.net

42

“Would like to Congratulate O’Keeffe Sawmills on 40 Years in Business and we wish continued success into the future” IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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O’Keeffe Sawmills are one of the most competitive pallet manufacturers in the country

O’Keeffe Sawmills believe in working hard to deliver quality products to their customers IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Bernard pointed out. “The customer is our number one priority, always was and always will be.

“Our clients know they can ring in at literally any time and we'll have it delivered as soon as possible.

“Only the other day a client rang me at 9.30 in the morning. He was out of pallets and couldn't believe it when he had a delivery with him two hours later. He would have had to stop production otherwise.”

This approach ensures O'Keeffe Sawmills builds loyalty with their customers.

Their longevity is underpinned by their commitment to never taking their customers for granted and always going the extra mile to meet their needs.

As a result, they have managed to keep their head afloat during this difficult economic times.

“Business is good, it's tough but steady. We didn't let anyone go since the recession which is a big achievement in itself,” Bernard – who is joined in the running of the business by his brother Gerard junior and David – proudly remarked.

Not ones for resting on their laurels, O'Keeffe Sawmills added a new string to their bow last year in the form of OK Fuel Supplies Limited.

When Bernard was at school he used to dabble in selling kindling and logs and that has now evolved into a

fully fledged business which started trading last year and has two full-time and two part-time employees on its payroll.

“It has grown a lot faster than we had anticipated, we have 40 to 50 good clients and then the general public also buys off us.

“I did it when I was younger and then it started to get out of hand. With the timber shortage over the last couple of years, we started processing the timber here on site to sell it on.”

Speaking of the timber shortage, that's one of the concerns Bernard has for the future of the business but he is optimistic overall that O'Keeffe Sawmills is heading in the right direction.

“At the minute the biggest challenge is the shortage of timber and the ever increasing costs of diesel, oil, labour and insurance. To the general public everything is coming down but that's not the case.

“On a more positive note, in the last month only we've had a lot of contact with architect and design engineers regarding new shop furnishings, they're looking for little time boxes rather than shelving. We can't get over the amount of phone calls we have received from engineers, that product range has really taken off.”

So what will the next 40 years bring for O'Keeffe Sawmills?

“Like everyone else, we hope we will still be here in another 10 years and that that same people will have their jobs.

“We hope other companies will still be here too and thriving. As far as I'm concerned it's all about helping each other out, not undercutting. Years ago there was fierce, strong competition but I've found that a little help goes along way and it pays off in the long run.”

The continued success and growth of O'Keeffe Sawmills is proof of that!

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Gills now offering Safe Loading & Cargo Securing Programme No.1 in Ireland for driver CPC, Advanced Driver Training and Fleet Training, Gill’s Driving School is the only company in the British Isles authorised by the IRU Training Academy to offer the Safe Loading & Cargo Securing Programme, which it introduced in October, 2013. Irish Trucker travelled to the Gill Group base in Ballina and met up with managing director Tiernan Gill Jnr. to discuss this new initiative as well as all the other courses and initiatives offered to commercial vehicle drivers / operators.

CONTACT DETAILS 44

Gill’s Driving School Church Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel: 096 73030 Fax: 096 21854 info@gillgroup.ie www.gillgroup.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

gills designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:34 Page 2

I

n any sector of the business world, once you offer a quality product and / or service, then you won’t go too far wrong. Since its genesis in 1972, Gill’s Driving School has placed a major emphasis on quality and this approach has been instrumental in its evolution into Ireland’s biggest and best driver training school.

Adapting a thoroughly professional approach to all facets of driver training, Gills offers a wide range of services to commercial fleet operators including (but by no means limited to) driver CPC, Fleet Training, Advanced Driver Training and the recently-launched Safe Loading & Cargo Securing Programme.

The professional team at Gill’s Driving School caters for all types of vehicle training, utilising a whole new fleet of vehicles to offer licence acquisition courses (and theory classes) for cars, jeeps and trailers, rigid lorries, artics, minibuses and coaches from their bases in Ballina, Castlebar and Sligo .

All instructors = who benefit from unlimited training both at home and abroad - are ADI-qualified with the Road Safety Authority; members of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM); and RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) diploma holders.

Fleet training services provided include advanced driving, defensive driving, occupational driver training, eco driving , load securing, 4 x 4 off road, digital and analogue tachograph courses, Hazchem programmes, driver CPC and occupational First Aid. Incorporating Brooklands Gas Ltd., Brooklands Oil Ltd., Brooklands Bedding Ltd., Tiernan Gill Equestrian and Gill’s Driving School, the Gill Group operates from its headquarters at Church Road, Ballina, County Mayo. Since this familyrun organisation’s inception, the Group has gone from strength to strength.

Initially, the company was set up as Gill’s Driving School in 1972 by Tiernan Gill Snr., who started out with just one vehicle - a Ford Anglia - but things have changed drastically during the intervening 42 years.

Gills introduced the IRU Academy (International Road Transport Union) Safe Loading & Cargo Securing Programme in 2013. The aim of this course is to provide drivers with theoretical and practical knowledge of safe loading and to equip drivers with the necessary skills to be safer in the working environment. Gill’s Driving School is the only company in the British Isles certified by the IRU to present the IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Tiernan Gill

SLCS Programme.

Gill’s Driving School was recognised by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny for its initiative in offering this programme to road transport operators at the Fleet Transport Awards in Dublin on Thursday October 10th, 2013.

Gills – who handle 20% of driver CPCs in Ireland - offer driver CPC courses from 15 centres nationwide. Approved by the Road Safety Authority to deliver driver CPC training, they cover the country from registered centres in Ballina, Castlebar (2), Belmullet, Sligo, Carrickon-Shannon, Roscommon, Longford, Galway, Limerick, Tralee, Cork, Thurles, Kilkenny and Arklow.

In 2011, Gill’s Driving School was one of three fleet trainers in the country who were awarded Advanced Driving contracts with the ESB. This contract is ongoing and they also provide Advanced Driver Training / Fleet Training to Glanbia, Shell, P&O Shipping, Solas, Roadbridge, Eircom, Valeo, Flogas, Mercury Mechanical & Electrical, Hertel, Sinbad Marine, Civil Defence, Mayo County Council, Galway City Council

Senior fleet trainer Tom O’Donoghue

Tiernan Gill receives an award from Enda Kenny

45

gills designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:34 Page 3

WISHING CONTINUED SUCCESS TO THE GILL GROUP

Wishing Continued Success To The Gill Group, From

Rehins, Ballina, Co. Mayo Tel:096-79000 www.connollys.ie

Best Wishes To The Gill Group, From

CAHILL TRAUTT & CO. Best Wishes to Tiernan and the Gill Group 46

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & REGISTERED AUDITORS Garden Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo Telephone: 096-22104 | Fax:096-70248 Email: info@cahilltrautt.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

gills designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:34 Page 4

A Terex machine inspection for load securing

and Ireland West Airport.

The team of instructors at Gill’s Driving School have a huge fleet of vehicles at their disposal and investment in these is ongoing. Brand new cars and trucks are being added all the time and, on the day we visited the company HQ, Tiernan was just after collecting the keys to a resplendent new 14-reg Scania lorry.

Referring to the new Safe Loading & Cargo Securing Programme offered exclusively in Ireland and the UK by Gills, Tiernan notes: “The programme provides specialist training in safe loading, unloading and load securement.

It focuses on clamping and securing techniques, the selecting of securing devices and lashings, the use of securing straps and chains, choosing the right trailer for the load, load distribution and calculation of lashings. It meets all European standards including the EN 12195 calculation of lashing forces.

“We have already undertaken the load securing course with a number of companies in Ireland including Shell, ESB and P&O Shipping and we are confident it will remain extremely popular with operators going forward.”

The business in general has grown dramatically in recent years and this is in no small way down to the range of services provided and the high-quality of equipment and personnel on hand to offer these services. “Education of our trainers is a huge thing to us with regards to making sure that they are fullyqualified themselves. For example, they IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Training with a horse box

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gills designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:34 Page 5

Best Wishes & Continued Success To The Gill Group

Cawley Commercials Ltd.

Drinaghan, Sligo Tel: 071 -91 69555 / 91- 60783 Fax: 071- 91 69500 www.cawleys.ie

Classic Elegance

Mayo’s leading interior storefurniture, fabrics, bedding and much more!

Bunree, Ballina, Co. Mayo T: 096- 71247 F : 096- 77502 E: info@trevormorrow.ie www.trevormorrow.ie

Continued Best Wishes To The Gill Group

Scania & Mitsubishi Dealer Sales, Service & Vehicle Hire VTN Test Centre- HGV & LGV

Best Wishes & Continued Success To THE GILL GROUP From

Continued Best Wishes To The Gill Group

IRISH

www.irishtrucker.com & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

48

FOR ALL YOUR OFFICE SUPPLIES Tone Street, Ballina, Co.Mayo.

Tel: 096-72477 | Fax:096-75737 Email: jtofficesupplies@gmail.com www.jtofficesupplies.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

gills designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:34 Page 6

would all hold diplomas in advanced teaching and diplomas in advanced driving of articulated trucks.

In short, you have to have driven yourself to drive for Gills…”

To what does Tiernan attribute the outstanding success of Gill’s Driving School? “Our professionalism. That has been key. We have always insisted on the highest levels of professionalism. We are 100% dedicated to safety and to our customers and we work to assist and help our customers on a personal level.

“We also work very closely with the Road Safety Authority and the Health & Safety Authority on all matters and it is reassuring to know that they in turn recommend us to do a lot of work on their behalf.”

At present, gainful employment is provided to a team of 48 across the Gill Group and this is growing all the time. “We have a very dedicated, Brooklands Gas with driver Kieran qualified team and they work very hard. Only the best people work here and that is how we are getting so much work,” Tiernan concludes.

“Image plays a big part in our business as well. The fleet is maintained in immaculate condition and, in 2008, we introduced a policy of adding brand-new vehicles every year. No stone is left unturned in making sure that the fleet at Gill’s Driving School looks great and performs to the optimum level at all times.”

This is in keeping with the emphasis on quality and professionalism that has epitomised Ireland’s No.1 driver training school since its inception over four decades ago.

Continued Best Wishes To The Gill Group From

www.rtdcrawford.com

Best Wishes To The Gill Group

MACHINE TIMBER SPECIALISTS WOOD RECYCLERS QUALITY BALED SHAVINGS

Head Office Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh BT94 5DX Telephone: 028 6638 7315 Fax: 028 6638 7227

Belfast Branch Dock Saw Mills, 20 Northern Rd, Belfast Harbour, Belfast BT3 9AL Telephone: 028 9035 1119 Fax: 028 9035 1120

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Holdcroft designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:50 Page 1

The Holcroft Motors team, l/r: Dariuz, Gintaras, Niall, Patricia, Sandra, Michael, Derek, Eugene, Peter, Jonathan and Martin with the Drogheda Chamber Award

Holcroft Motors honoured with top award Main Peugeot dealers Holcroft Motors Ltd can claim to be “an award-winning dealership representing an award-winning brand” after being crowned Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year at the annual Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) awards in Dublin on February 20 last.

CONTACT DETAILS 50

Holcroft Motors Ld. Matthew’s Lane, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth Tel: 041 980 9430 Fax: 041 980 9419 Mobile: 086 8505269 Email: sales@holcroftmotors.com Website: www.holcroftmotors.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Holdcroft designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:51 Page 2

The garage was appointed a main Peugeot dealer in 1998

T

he accolade was presented to Derek Holcroft, dealer principal, by Alan Nolan, director-general of SIMI and Paul Smith, head of Castrol Ireland, who sponsored the awards, in front of over 500 members of the Irish motor industry. Judges recognised the Drogheda, Co. Louthbased dealership’s “consistent commitment to exceeding customer expectations, while achieving the optimum balance of workshop productivity and affordable maintenance.”

The SIMI awards celebrate best practice in the Irish motor industry and IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

acknowledge the hard work and successful achievements of SIMI members during these tough economic times.

Celebrating everything that is good about the automotive trade, the awards are open to the widest possible crosssection of the Irish motor industry. The award won by Holcroft Motors was open to over 1,000 garages.

This year’s awards were held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (formerly Burlington Hotel).

All businesses from across the motor industry are encouraged to enter the awards, which recognise

their achievements over the preceding 12 months.

“We were both delighted and honoured to receive the Franchised Aftersales Operation of the Year award,” Derek Holcroft enthuses.

“We had a great night and the award reflects well on what we are doing at Holcroft Motors. Given that Peugeot boasts an award-winning range of cars and light commercials, we are now able to describe ourselves as an award-winning dealership representing an awardwinning brand.”

Holcroft Motors is a familyrun business operating in Drogheda since September 1977, which initially

concentrated on servicing all makes of cars and light commercial vehicles. The garage was established by Michael Holcroft, who has since been joined by his brothers Derek and Eugene.

All three brothers are qualified technicians.

The business initially operated from beside the family home in Hand Street before relocating in 2005 to a new purpose-built premises at Mathew’s Lane on the Donore Road. The move followed Holcroft Motors’ appointment as main Peugeot dealer for the South Louth area in 1998.

“We basically outgrew our old premises and have a lot

Michael, Derek and Eugene Holcroft with the Drogheda Chamber Retailer of the Year award

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Holdcroft designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:51 Page 3

more space where we are now,” Derek explains.

Using the latest technology, the dealership offers Peugeot sales, services, parts, valeting and crash repair facilities to customers.

Holcroft Motors’ sales team will assist you with all new and used car enquiries and with motor registration, finance enquiries, Peugeot Assistance and Extended Warranty extensions as required.

Holcroft’s service receptionist will deal with all enquiries and the service workshop is fully equipped with all modern tooling, including the latest Peugeot diagnostic technology. The dealership uses ISDN data transfer for communication with Automobiles Peugeot in France and with the Peugeot importer in Dublin. Employing 13 full-time staff, the garage is open from 8.30am to 6pm Monday-Friday and from 8.30am to 5pm on Saturdays.

Over the years, Holcroft Motors has established a tradition of value-for-money and total dedication to customer service. The familyrun concern stocks the full range of Peugeot cars and commercials, and boasts a loyal customer-base which is the envy of many garages in the area.

The Peugeot passenger car range includes the 107, 208 (Hatchback and GTi), 2008 Crossover, 308, 3008, 508, 508SW, 5008 and RCZ. The Partner, Expert and Boxer make up the Peugeot

commercial range.

“The Partner is the biggest seller of the three,” the affable dealership principal reveals.

“It’s the smallest of Peugeot commercials and is a very versatile van which suits a wide range of customers. It’s comfortable and safe for driver and passengers and can securely fit a lot within its small dimensions. It’s also extremely economical, which is another reason why it’s popular with customers.

“The Expert and Boxer are larger vans that also have a loyal customerbase.”

Peugeot’s passenger cars have an outstanding reputation with the new 308 recently being named European Car of the Year for 2014. It is the fourth Peugeot model to receive the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of the Peugeot 307 in 2002, the 405 in 1988 and the 504 in 1969. The new 308 arrived at Holcroft Motors’ at the end of last year and, like all the other Peugeot models, is selling extremely well.

“There has been a big pick-up in new car sales in the first part of 2014, something in the region of 20 per cent on the same period last year.

Peugeot is a longestablished brand in Ireland which has built up a large and loyal following.

“The 308 has just been

JOHN DELANEY Continued Best Wishes To Holcroft Motors From

MOTOR FACTORS LTD

Fairgreen, Drogheda, Co. Louth • Tel: 041 9831634

FOR ALL YOUR MOTOR FACTORS NEEDS

52

named European Car of the Year, while the 508 and 208 models were Continental Irish Family Car of the Year and Irish Small Car of the Year award winners in 2012 and 2013 respectively. When you buy Peugeot, you know you are getting a quality vehicle.

We have the awards to prove it.”

If you are looking for a particular model, you’ll be able to sit in it when you visit Holcroft Motors’ state-of-the-

art showroom. If you are not sure what you are looking for, there are a comprehensive range of models available to help you chose the right vehicle for your needs.

There are some amazing offers currently available at Holcroft Motors, including €500 free fuel vouchers on selected Peugeot cars.

Remember, there is a car or commercial to suit everyone at the Co. Louth dealership.

Holcroft Motors has been trading since 1977

Best Wishes To Holcroft Motors, From

Unit 16A Newgrange Business Park, Donore Road, Drogheda

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

truck news designed_Layout 1 23/05/2014 11:22 Page 18

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T: 053 9135165 E: info@rotech.ie | www.rotech.ie

Hydraulic Pumps & Motors from Hi Power

If you are in the market for a hard working high performance pump or motor designed for demanding operations, look no further than the Sunfab range, available from Hi-Power Ltd., Sunfab’s sole Irish Distributor.

Swedish company Sunfab has almost 700 versions of motors which meet high performance requirements, from 12 to 130 cm3/rev, up to 40 MPa intermittent working pressure, up to 8800 rpm, in ISO, SAE (2-and 4 bolt flange) DIN and plug-in design, with splined or key shaft and many variants of connection covers.

Sunfab’s product range of hydraulic pumps, meanwhile, is among the most complete in the world. From 12 to 130 cm3/rev, 30 to 40 MPa constant working pressure, single or double flow, fixed and variable flow, in DIN, ISO and SAE design, for mobile and industrial applications.

So, whether you employ Forest Cranes, General Duty Cranes, Sludge Pump Trucks, Skip Loaders, Moving Cargo Floors or Refuse Collection Vehicles, Hi-Power has a motor or a pump to suit.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Port of Cork lodge planning application for Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment

Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment east view

The Port of Cork Company has lodged a planning application with An Bord Pleanála for the Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment project in the lower harbour. The application is being made under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act. The planning application to An Bord Pleanála includes the following redevelopments under which will form an extension to the existing facilities which currently operate at Ringaskiddy.

The Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment project consists of four key areas: Ringaskiddy East (Container Berths and Multi-purpose Berth (CB/ (MPB)) • A new 314m Container Berth 1/ Multipurpose Berth that will be capable of accommodating vessels carrying a range of different cargoes including containers, freight and general cargoes;

• An additional 200m Container Berth 2 • Surfacing of existing port lands to provide operational areas; • Dredging of the seabed (at new berths) to a level of -13.0 m Chart Datum (CD); • Demolition of existing link-span • Installation of link-span comprising a floating pontoon and access bridge; • Installation of container handling cranes and terminal transport equipment; • Maintenance building, administrative buildings and entrance kiosks; and • Ancillary car parking, lighting and fencing.

Ringaskiddy West (Deep-water Berth Extension) • A new 182m extension to the existing Deep-water Berth (DWB) which will comprise a filled quay structure extending no further seaward than the edge of the existing DWB; • Dredging works (within Ringaskiddy basin) to varying levels to facilitate navigational access to the new facilities; and • Lighting.

Road Improvements • Improvements to the external road entrance into the Ringaskiddy Deep-water Terminal and to Ringaskiddy West; • Improvements to the internal link road between Ringaskiddy East and Ringaskiddy West; • Road improvement works within the existing harbour lands at Ringaskiddy East; • Improvements to internal road network at Ringaskiddy East to facilitate future access to the N28; and • Lighting and fencing.

Paddy’s Point Amenity Area • Construction of a new public pier, slipway and boarding platform; • New planting and landscaping to provide public amenity area; • Boat storage, lighting and fencing.

These plans are the first phase of the implementation of the Port of Cork’s Strategic Development Plan Review (2010), the core principles of which were endorsed in the National Ports Policy, which highlighted Cork as a Tier 1 port of national significance. This Policy also identified the continued commercial development of the Port of Cork Company as a key strategic objective.

Over the last twelve months, the Port of Cork has carried out a number public open days and public consultation, to both inform and listen to the stakeholders around the harbour. Where possible, the comments from residents and communities within the harbour were considered and some amendments were made to the proposed plans presented at the time.

Speaking about the planning application, Brendan Keating, Chief Executive, Port of Cork said: “We have had constructive pre-application engagement with An Bord Pleanala to date and we are pleased to be lodging our planning application for Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment today. Our needs as a port of national significance have not changed and as a Tier 1 port, the Port of Cork must be able to meet the needs of the region and those of our customers.”

He continued: “Being able to accommodate larger vessels is of utmost importance if the Port of Cork is to remain competitive and future proof Cork as an international gateway for trade.”

The key drivers of the rationale and need for the proposed Ringaskiddy Port Developments include the existing physical constraints in handling larger vessels and the changing nature of port activities, including the trend towards port-centred logistics. Addressing these needs would allow the Port of Cork to meet and secure its future development potential, and this would translate into significant quantified economic benefits for Cork and the surrounding region, as well as the national economy The Port of Cork is a key link to the economic success of Ireland, in particular the entire Munster region. 98% of goods imported or exported from Ireland are moved by ship, highlighting the importance of ports to our economy.

The application documents including the Environmental Impact Statement and Natura Impact Statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) during public opening hours for a period of seven weeks commencing on 8th May 2014 at the following locations: • The Offices of An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1; • The Offices of Cork County Council, County Hall, Cork; The application documents may also be viewed on the following website: http://www.ringaskiddyportredevelopment.ie from Friday 2nd May 2014.

A further public copy will be available for viewing only, during public opening hours, at The Foyer of National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, from Tuesday 6th May 2014.

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

coyle complete designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:36 Page 1

E

stablished 20 years ago by husband and wife duo Seamus and Rosemary Coyle, as a crash repair and commercial paintwork enterprise, Coyle Complete Limited have expanded to specialise in fleet branding, graphics and signage to create

the ‘complete commercial package’ under one roof.

They provide high quality cost effective, crash repair, paintwork, shot blasting and graphics service to hauliers and transport companies.

Their highly skilled workforce has the knowledge and technology to work closely with their customers from a concept or idea, into the creation of a striking finished product.

“Our full accident and quality repair service for large commercial vehicles, lorries, coaches, vans, cars is carried out by highly qualified and experienced personnel in our 10,000 sq.ft. purpose built workshop.

“There is ample parking and turning space on site and drivers are available for collection and delivery on request. We accommodate

e complete commercial package You've heard the saying: 'You only have one opportunity to make a first impression'. While it may be a cliché, it is true and Coyle Complete Ltd has the know-how to help you get the right message across and give you the complete commercial package.

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

For large commercial vehicles contact Seamus admin@coylecomplete.com For fleet branding and graphics contact Niall graphics@coylecomplete.com Coyle Complete Ltd Deravoy, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan Email: sales@coylecomplete.com Tel: +353 (0) 47 87986

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Continued Best Wishes To Coyle Complete From All At

FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS & FINANCIAL NEEDS Services Available

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Suppliers of

AUDIT & ASSURANCE COMPANY SECRETARIAL BUSINESS ADVISORS TAX COMPLIANCE & PLANNING Lakeview House, 27 North Road, Monaghan.

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Milltown, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo T: 071-9163092 F: 071-9163092 Email: info@fureysofsligo.com www.fureysofsligo.com

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Stephen Robinson Best Wishes To Coyle Complete From

TRANSPORT Dooran Line, Mountcharles, Co. Donegal.

Tel: 074 -9735093 • Mobile: 087 -2035500 Email: stephenrobinsontransport@yahoo.co.uk Best Wishes To Coyle Complete From

Martin’s of Limerick Annacotty Business Park, Annacotty, Co. Limerick

CHANNEL ROAD, RUSH, CO DUBLIN PHONE; 00353 1 8437178 FAX; 00353 1 8439402 keith@jonesinternational.ie helen@jonesinternational.ie

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Keep on trucking with

54

Tel : + 353 61 333100 F : + 353 61 333102 E: martinscoach@eircom.net

www.martinscoaches.ie IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

coyle complete designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:36 Page 3

every size of job, from a small scratch on the bodywork to full body repairs, and restoration work to meet the individual needs of the customer.�

Their workshop space has seen recent expansion with the installation of two state of the art Industrial Painting Ovens. This advancement allows them to paint more than one vehicle at a time enabling a quicker turnaround time for customers. Coyle Complete is proud to be one of the few companies in Ireland operating these commercial paint ovens, which are suitable for even the longest road going vehicle - coaches, horseboxes, double decker buses, fridges etc.

On the technical side of things, Seamus explains that they have a shot blasting service, to blast to strip paint from metal surfaces to remove any rust. They have their own paint-mixing facility in addition to systems

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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coyle complete designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:37 Page 4

A fully integrated family owned duck producer supplying the highest quality innovative raw & cooked duck

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Silver Hill Foods, Emyvale, Co. Monaghan Tel: 00353 (0) 4787124 Fax: 00353 (0) 4787655 www.sliverhillfarm.ie

Thomas Dunne & Sons General Haulage - Bulks - Flats-Tanks- Low Loader-Curtainsider Congratulations To Coyle Complete On 20 Years In Business

Wishing Continued Success To Coyle Complete From

Crookstown, Ballytore, Athy, Co. Kildare

Tel: 059-862 3189 Fax: 059-862 3351 Mobile: 086-255 9080 E: entstransportltd@eircom.net

+353 42 9378188 www.matthews.ie THERE’S MORE TO MATTHEWS • Commuter services • Day & extended tours • Corporate Travel Continued best wishes to COYLE COMPLETE

O’ROURKE TRANSPORT

Wishing Continued Success To Coyle Complete, From

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“ Our Service is Our Strength” ON TIME EVERY TIME Main St., Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan Tel: 0044 28 37538181 or 00353 42 9740537

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Irish Trucker & Light Commercials Magazine

Call BARRY now on 00353 (0) 46 9241923

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

coyle complete designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:37 Page 5

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Coyle Complete

such as Sikkens, DuPont and Glasurit and can give customers an extensive array of colours in solid, metallic and water based formats.

Coyle Complete are also fully licensed and compliant with Article 17 of the Limitation of Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds Regulations (S.I. No 199 of 2007) under Monaghan County Council.

Under the directorship of Seamus and Rosemary's son Niall, the young and dynamic team of designers and fitters are dedicated to bringing your idea to fruition.

Coyle Complete design supply and fit all types of vehicle graphics, from as little as your name on the side to a

Coes Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth T: 042-9338260 F: 042-9333063 E:info@portway.ie

full vehicle wrap in addition to banners, posters, billboards or business stationery. Work with their graphic design team to create a vehicle that is sure to stop traffic.

So if you are looking to get the right message across, look no further than Coyle Complete located 1 hour from Belfast and 1.5 hours from Dublin, clearly signposted off the main N2 road from Dublin to Derry road. You can also find them on the web at www.coylecomplete.com or follow them on facebook or twitter. “We really appreciate the high level of repeat business which obviously indicates that our clients are very happy with the work we do and we pride ourselves on giving all our customers our personal attention.�

Continued Best Wishes To Coyle Complete Blackhill, Kill, Co. Kildare Tel: 045-860895 | Email: info@nandc.ie | www.nandc.ie

Wishing Continued Success To Coyle Complete

36 Doohat Rd., Derrynoose, Keady, Co. Armagh BT60 3HE T: 028- 3753 8532 F: 028- 3753 8800 Dublin Road, Castleshane, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan T: (00353) 047 -85908 | F: (00353) 047- 85335 Unit 2, Clayton Rd., Risley, Warrington WA3 6PH Tel: 01925 811188 | Fax: 01925 811181

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Coyle Complete From Jupiter Transport (t/a Kolbe Feeds) IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

57

mannion designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:40 Page 1 The company is based in Claregalway, Co. Galway

W

hile the Claregalway-based company has only been in business since May 2012, its managing director John Mannion and his family have been synonymous with the motor trade in the West of Ireland for the past 35 years. John owned a similar

company for 21 years before selling it in 2000 and he has been involved in the trade for as long as he can remember.

John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components is a family-owned and operated business providing a top-class service to commercial garages and the

transport industry. John runs the company with his two sons Sean and Eamon. Sean manages the day to day running of the business and he has worked in the trade since 1998. Eamon looks after sales and customer support.

“We are a leading supplier of quality

e parts specialist in the West Looking for quality spare parts in a hurry? If so, why not give John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components Ltd in Galway a call.

CONTACT DETAILS 58

John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components Ltd Claregalway Corporate Park, Claregalway, Co. Galway Tel: 091 739009/739019 Email: info@mannionttc.com Website: www.mannionttc.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

mannion designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:40 Page 2

spare parts for trucks, buses, coaches, trailers and light commercials,” says John, whose late wife Mary was previously in the motor trade business with John.

“I am proud of the trust we have built up with our customers and suppliers which we have maintained to this day. Like any new business, we have had to work hard to get it established, but that is now paying off and we are already thinking about further growth.

Once we got stock on the shelves, things began to move and a lot of our old customers started coming back to us.”

John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components are appointed agents for some of Europe’s foremost parts manufacturers, including TRW (steering, suspension

and brake parts), Winnard (brake discs, drums and brake pads) and Durite (electrical parts) among some of the leading names. Also included in the top brands stocked are Bosch starters, alternators and wiper blades, Varta batteries, LUK clutches, Timken and FAG bearings, Gates belts, MANN filters, Koni shock absorbers, Truck-Lite lamps, Philips bulbs, Febi parts and most top names in air braking and air suspension.

Recently, John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components were appointed agents for Brigade Electronics which is a market leader in vehicle safety systems with a comprehensive range of products to reduce the risk of collision and maximise efficiency, including camera monitor systems, reversing alarms, ultrasonic proximity sensors, digital recorders and a thermal image camera.

Brigade is a global company with solutions to suit all commercial vehicle and industry types and a team of engineers working to bring innovative answers to the market place as well as a sales service and support team for even the biggest fleet of vehicles.

The comprehensive stock covers a wide range of parts

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Managing Director John Mannion has been in the motor trade for 35 years

for all trucks, coaches, light commercials and trailers including DAF, Hino, Iveco, Isuzu, MAN, Mercedez-Benz, Mitsubishi, Renault, Scania and Volvo.

“Our policy is to promote quality products because they last longer and they are less expensive in the long run,” John points out. “Good quality products at competitive prices represent best value for money and guarantee long term satisfaction”.

If you are looking for a particular part, the chances are we will have it in stock. If not, we will have it the next day. We have something for everyone.”

Offering a same day

dispatch in Ireland, John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components runs special offers from time to time. For more information on this and for a full lowdown on the spare parts stocked, log onto www.mannionttc.com John has been delighted with the response and support his new business has received from people in the haulage industry.

The company’s location in Claregalway – which sits at the junction of the busy N17 and N18 national primary routes, and not far from the M6 Motorway – means it is easily accessible from all parts of Connacht.

“We cover the entire West of Ireland and a few counties

Sean and Eamon Mannion are involved in the family business

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mannion designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:40 Page 3

outside the West,” continues John.

“We operate from Claregalway Corporate Park which is situated on the Oranmore Road out of Claregalway. We are only about six miles from Galway city. We are easy to find and have adequate parking for articulated trucks. We have got a great reaction since opening our doors and are gaining new customers every day.

“We go out of our way to cater for our customers whose business we greatly value and appreciate. We will make every effort to provide the service they

expect. Our main customers are fleet owners, garages, bus and coach operators and light commercial owners. Things have gone very well for us so far and we want to keep it that way. The most important person in the business is the customer and we are lucky enough to enjoy good relationships with customers and suppliers alike”.

John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components is open from 8.30am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8.30am to 1pm on Saturdays. John and his team look forward to hearing from you!

O’LEARY INSURANCES (GALWAY) LTD

Best Wishes To John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components, from

. Insurance Brokers & Consultants .Est.1961.

Tel: 091- 778677 Email: info@olearysgalway.com

FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL FLEET & MOTOR TRADE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

O’Leary Insurances (Galway) Limited is regulated by the Central Bank Of Ireland

Best Wishes To John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components, from

Best Wishes To John Mannion Truck & Trailer Components, From

CV Airbrakes are one of the market leaders in the supply of remanufactured and new copy airbrake.

CV Airbrakes have always looked to expand its range and now supply a range of truck and trailer brake calipers, repair kits and automatic slack adjusters.

Unit B6, Paragon Way, Bayton Road Ind. Est. Exhall, Coventry CV7 9QS

T: +44 (0) 2476 362523 | F: +44 (0) 2476 367694 E: enquiry@cvairbrakesltd.co.uk www.cvairbrakesltd.co.uk

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IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ahascragh designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:26 Page 1

T

John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd spring into action e collection of fallen animals is a specialised job that sees operators adhering to stringent regulations and legislation.

he disposal of category one material is the single largest issue facing the knackery industry on a daily basis.

It is a complex industry that requires every ‘T’ to be crossed and every ‘I’ to be dotted before a business can perform its duties. The legislation regarding the collection of fallen animals has forced ‘rogue operators’ to cease trading much to the delight of those that do everything by the book.

One such company is Ballinasloe based John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd who have been working in this industry for the past 30 years.

John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd is a family run business that was established

by John Greene and his wife Anne. These days their son Kevin and daughter Aileen, who is the general manager of the business are on board and it is the latter who speaks to Irish Trucker about the services they provide and she also tells us of the ever changing face of the fallen animal collection service.

With a fleet of nine lorries on the road, specialising in the fallen stock collection, Greene’s have grown the business over the years and their catchment area now includes Galway, Roscommon, Mayo, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath mainly.

“My father started the business 30 years ago. He had worked as a lorry driver for a Hide Factory before deciding to go out on his own and from humble beginnings, he built up the business to what it is today,” said Aileen.

“We specialise in the collection of fallen animals mostly from farmers. The animals

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

are brought back to our plant, which is located six miles outside Ballinasloe where the cattle are de-hided and then the carcass is brought to Dublin By-Products, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow.”

Greene’s is geared up to remove fallen stock from any farm within twenty four hours after a request having been received. All fallen stock is delivered back to base before proceeding to Wicklow where the dead animals are rendered.

Of the fleet of nine trucks, MAN, DAF and Scania are the preferred choice for this family run business and Aileen revealed that these specialised vehicles are well maintained.

“The fleet is maintained to the highest standards and can access all farm locations. They would have hydraulic cranes on them for the collections and we change the bodies every few years,” added Aileen.

Of course, John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd wouldn’t be half the business it is without a reliable work force and Aileen revealed that they are very

Greene’s Animal Service is based in Ballinasloe

fortunate in that regard.

“We have a very loyal staff, some of whom have been with us for many years now. They are on first name terms with our customers and they have been sympathetic with the farmers’ needs over the years.

“Our aim is to provide local farmers with a competitive priced and reliable collection service. The collection charges are extremely competitive across the board particularly where larger, mature animals are concerned.

“All our staff are trained to remove all fallen stock in a professional manner with the minimum of fuss and disturbance to the farmers involved. Dead animals represent an unwanted cost on every farm and it is our aim to make the removal cost effective and a straight forward process.

A few years back, there was a subsidy available for fallen animal collection, but that has been restricted to only animals over forty eight months by the Department of Agriculture.

“That was a good incentive by the

John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd. Lowville, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Tel: 090-9688606

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W

North

estern

ool & Hide Co. Ltd

Quality Hide Products

We would like to wish The Greene Family continued success and to congratulate them and to thank them also for their continued support that they have given to my company.

Aughamore Far, Sligo, Tel: 00 353 71- 917 0362 (5 lines) Fax: 00 353 71- 917 0627 Mob: 00 353 87- 256 0798 www.northwesternwoolhide.com e-mail: nwwh@eircom.net

KELLY & LYNCH

JOHN & KEVIN GREENE AHASCRAGH LTD

Best Wishes & Continued Success To From All At

MOTOR FACTORS

“Top Quality Motor Parts At Competitive Prices” Brackernagh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Tel: 090-9645508

Western Proteins JOHN & KEVIN GREENE AHASCRAGH LTD

Best Wishes & Continued Success To

Western Proteins

Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo Tel: 094-9632400 | Mobile: 087-2543531

John J.McCarthy & Co. Ltd. HIDE & LAMB SKIN MARKET

We Collect Renderer Hides | Calf Skins TOP PRICES PAID | SWIFT PAYMENT | 120 Years In Business

Contact Derek 086 -2700644 Galway Office : 091- 840626 Kilchreest, Loughrea, Co. Galway

Limerick Office : 061-322960 1st Floor Office, Gleneask, Castletroy, Limerick Email: galwayhideandskin@eircom.net Email: derekmccarthyph@gmail.com

Best Wishes To John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd 62

Greenes

Best Wishes To John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd From

STORES

Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway T:090-9688609 Email: greeneshardware@eircom.net Guilka Menlough, Co. Galway T:090-9684003 FOR ALL YOUR HARDWARE , AGRI & VETERINARY NEEDS

LOUGHREA TYRE CENTRE

Best Wishes To John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd From All At We stock all branded tyres and budget brands Laser Alignment | Tracking & Balancing Batteries | Alloy Wheel Sales | Alloys Straightened

DUBLIN ROAD, LOUGHREA, CO. GALWAY E: loughreatyres@gmail.com Fax: 091 870599

Contact Us On 091 841260

Continued success to John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd. from all at

DUBLIN PRODUCTS LTD. Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow Tel: 045-401381. Fax: 045-401313

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

ahascragh designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:26 Page 3

Scania is amongst the preferred choice of trucks used by the company

Green’s operate a fleet of nine trucks

Government; it certainly takes the burden off the farmers, who are already under financial pressure. There is plenty of paperwork in this industry, but it has been a benefit as it has tightened the industry up and now there are traceability regulations in place that can show every step taken from when a carcass is collected at a farm until it reaches a rendering plant.”

“We have all the necessary licences and certificates needed to operate legally and we always strive to meet any legislation implemented. The new regulations have certainly been a positive for the industry.”

To supplement the business of animal collection, John & Kevin Greene Ahascragh Ltd also offer a third party haulage service where they draw offal for butchers. This helps alleviate the pressure of the ever-increasing fuel – the bane of everyone in the transport industry.

“Without doubt our biggest expenditure is the fuel bill and it seems to be rising on a monthly basis at this stage. All our drivers are experienced and they know how to drive the vehicles economically, but the rising price of fuel is certainly a concern for us.”

Aileen revealed that their work is very much seasonal, but given the unpredictable weather in Ireland, it can vary when they are busy and not.

“Spring time is usually when things start picking up for us as it’s calving and lambing season. Through our haulage service, it picks up the slack when we are quiet and we are pleased with the IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Fallen animals are collected from all over the midlands and Connacht

The fallen animals are brought back to hte plant in Ballinasloe

direction that the business is heading.

“It is a tough industry to be involved in, but with 30 years’ experience behind us and an ever-increasing customer base, we are confident that we can continue to make the business grow over the coming years,” Aileen concluded.

BEST WISHES TO JOHN & KEVIN GREENE AHASCRAGH LTD 63

crane designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:55 Page 1

Crane Worldwide Logistics is a fullservice air, ocean, trucking, customs brokerage and logistics company

Global reach; personal touch Crane Worldwide Logistics is a unique company in that it provides its clients with a truly personal touch on a global scale. Irish Trucker met up with Crane’s country manager for Ireland, Jason Stretton, to get an insight into the rapidly-expanding forwarding company’s Irish, European and worldwide operations.

C

rane Worldwide Logistics is a full-service air, ocean, trucking, customs brokerage and logistics company, which has had a growing presence in Ireland for the past five years. Jason Stretton from Shannon in County Clare was the company’s firstever employee in Ireland – and indeed in Europe. As such, he is well placed to provide a brief history of this progressive global entity: “The company was formed in 2008 in

CONTACT DETAILS

64

Houston, Texas and it grew out of the coming together of a number of logistics professionals who wanted to start a company from scratch to address a gap in the market,” he explains. “They identified the need for a global mid-sized forwarding company. You already had your global giants and your ‘local heroes’ and then there was a gap in between.

“That’s where Crane Worldwide Logistics came into the equation – to offer a global reach with customised

solutions. We offer a personal service, with a strong emphasis on quality and service, whilst also providing access to global markets.

“The founders looked at best practices in industry with systems and internal management processes at the core they came up with a whole new way of doing business. Four small companies were acquired initially and they started out with a small footprint – with twelve offices and 80 employees - and from there they

Crane Worldwide Logistics Irl Ltd. Unit 3A, Western Business Park, Shannon, Co. Clare Tel: 061 718146 www.craneww.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

crane designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:55 Page 2

started to grow.”

The rate of growth has been quite extraordinary, as Jason reveals: “We have expanded our footprint across all regions with 103 offices in 25 countries and employee numbers have increased to +1400. The expansion has been achieved through organic growth.

The company was built on the promise that Crane Worldwide Logistics would challenge the norm through its five value propositions: people; account management; Information Technology; compliance & quality programs; and service execution “These are the cornerstones of the business,” Jason continues. “The company has differentiated itself in the marketplace through this ‘Challenge The Norm’ ethos. At the end of the day, logistics is all about people, IT, account management, compliance & quality and service execution.

People: “It’s a people-driven business and we get the very best people on board. We actively seek talented and driven people, we have carefully managed our recruitment process - who we hire and why we hire them. We provide employees with a challenging and satisfying career and reward our employees for good performance.

Account management: “We carefully map our customer’s requirements then implement, and deliver a sustainable, tailored solution to each customer. We collaborate with our customers and deliver what we promise.”

IT: “We have developed a very robust IT platform, which has been well received globally by our customers.Our Portal system provides one transparent place for our clients, our employees, our vendors and our management team to manage the information they need to be successful..”

Compliance & Quality: “Our aim is to be a trusted partner in international business regulations. We have Centres of Excellence globally and we operate to the very highest standards across all facets of the business.”

Service execution: “You have to deliver what you promise. We share our raw IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

data with our customers and this helps us improve our overall service. We tailor that service specifically to each customer. Therefore, we challenge the norm…”

The 103 offices are strategically located to service existing and future markets, the most recent being opened in Mozambique. In terms of Emea, Crane Worldwide Logistics has three offices in Ireland (Dublin, Shannon and Cork) as well as, three in UK, three in Germany and two in the Netherlands along with operations in Sth Africa and UAE. The leader and VP for the EMEA region is fellow Irishman and Cork native Gerard Ryan, an industry professional with 20+ years of experience in Global Logistics.

With a strong presence right across Europe, USA, Latin America and Asia, the company currently employs approximately 1,400 people. Their goal is to continue to expand and follow their customers into new markets.

“We employ 25 people in Ireland at present and we continue to grow,” says Jason. “We are currently recruiting both sales and operational personnel and we expect to continue to grow our team in the months ahead.

“We offer a full suite of services - Air, Ocean, Road, Brokerage and Logistics As we are a non-asset-based freight service logistics provider, we work with a wide range of haulier throughout Ireland, be they local, national, container or international hauliers. We offer full-load and groupage road freight services and we would be working with anywhere between ten and 15 Irish hauliers at any given time.

A number of those would move significant volumes for us.

Shortlisted as Employer of the Year

at the 2014 Irish Logistics and Transport Awards, Crane Worldwide Logistics Ltd. is a multi-award-winning company. Last year, it was commended in the Customer Care section at the Global Freight Awards and such accolades reflect the standards of excellence in place throughout this dynamic organisation.

“We pride ourselves on hiring the best people in the market and to do that you have to be one of the best employers,” says Jason. “This was how we came to be nominated as Employer of the Year.

It’s important to get that sort of recognition and it sends a message out to our customers that we are an employer of choice. The CEO was very proud that the Irish operation was nominated.

“Strategically, the Irish operation is very important. It was our first office in Europe

Crane Worldwide Logistics president John Magee

Crane Worldwide Logistics’ Cork office

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crane designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 12:56 Page 3

and is one of our most successful. It is ‘best in class’ in terms of performance and customer feedback. We receive a lot of positive recognition from our customers in Ireland and this gives us a lot of credibility as many of our Irish customers are also global customers.”

Looking to the future, Jason predicts further growth: “We will continue to grow,” he concludes. “We will increase our market share and our global footprint within the industry. Our goal is to branch out into other areas, develop our vertical markets and to focus on growing all aspects of the business.

“We aim to grow our marketing presence in Ireland and to bring value to a wider range of customers and, through that, bring more employment. We have made remarkable progress in six years and are growing at a rate well above the industry norm.”

That’s what happens when you challenge the norm!

Best Wishes To Crane Worldwide Logistics, From

European Wide Haulage Company

The CWW office in Shannon

Thyme-IT www.thyme-it.ie

Thyme-IT provide web-based Revenue-compliant solutions for all electronic Customs and Excise requirements in Ireland including AEP (SAD), CAP, NCTS, EMCS, ICS and eManifest Call Thyme-IT at +353 (0)1 206 0010 E-mail us at info@thyme-it.ie Visit our website at www.thyme-it.ie

Continued Best Wishes To All At Crane Worldwide Logistics Thyme-IT, Block 6, Richview Office Park, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14

Continued Best Wishes To All At CRANE WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS From

Main St, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan T: 042-9740537 E: info@carnatspt.com www.carnatspt.com

Smithstown, Shannon, Co. Clare Tel: 061-361046 | Fax: 061-363340 66

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R

oad Tankers Armagh Ltd specializes in the manufacture of high quality fuel tankers, most notably for rigid trucks, from its base at Keady Road, Armagh. The company is also equally well known for its refurbishment and remounting services.

In the past few years the company has increased its customer base amongst fuel distributors on both sides of the Border on the back of manufacturing and refurbishing high quality ADR compliant tankers.

Trevor revealed: "The majority of our customers would be involved in the domestic / commercial distribution fuel sector supplying kerosene, gas oil and petrol.”

Last year was Road Tankers Armagh Ltd, busiest year to date according to Trevor and he puts this fact down to the Euro-5 to Euro-6 changeover that has occurred.

“Two thousand and thirteen was our best year yet. The changeover to Euro-6 models is the main reason for this and we were delighted with our workload and our order book is full till October.”

Although the specification of manufacturing tankers has remained the same, Trevor stated that more and more customers are opting for aluminum tanks.

“There is definitely a change on that front as aluminum tanks have a longer life span, while they are also lighter and means the distributors have a better pay load.”

Road Tankers Armagh are busy both sides of the border and the company’s excellence in manufacturing their products precedes them as their customer base continues to grow.

"We concentrated on the local market

(North / South Ireland) in the early days but we are now making an impact in both England and Scotland. Most of our sales have been made through word-of-mouth or personal recommendation, which speaks volumes for the quality of our tankers. We have been lucky in that respect, we haven't had to go out chasing work," he added.

The company's core activities are spilt into a number of distinct areas, new tanker manufacturing, refurbishment of existing tankers, remounting existing tanks and equipment onto new trucks.

It also offers ancillary services such as spray painting, graphics, DOE / PSV preparation, Maintenance and repairs which also offers a full back up service to meet customer needs and finally, they hold

A tanker constructed for Curran Oil

a large range of stock in their spares department, Trevor added: “we can rapidly respond to customer requests, minimizing any vehicle downtown for the customer therefore saving them money.

"Our new tankers are built to the new ADR regulations using only high quality components from all the top manufacturers, such as Mechtronic and Alpeco Similarly, our refurbished tanks and remounted tanks meet all ADR regulations.

With its own in-house design service, Road Tankers Armagh builds to individual customer requirements. "Every customer would have a different specification. We work with the customer from the design stage right through to delivery. Trevor added “We have just completed a

Road Tankers continue to deliver Road Tankers Armagh Ltd has developed an enviable reputation for the manufacture of high quality truckmounted fuel tankers since its inception in 2001. Managing Director Trevor Wilson gave Irish Trucker an insight into the company's operations.

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Road Tankers Armagh Ltd. 221 Keady Road, Armagh Tel: 028 37 539999 Fax: 028 37 539078 Email: sales@roadtankersarmagh.com

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Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh

Distributors of

PETROL • DIESEL • AGRI DIESEL & HOME HEATING OIL NATIONWIDE

AGENT FOR CASTROL LUBRICANTS

0818 279900 or 049-8541175 CONTACT

Email: info@curranoil.com • www.curranoil.com

H. McMullan & Son Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh, From

H. McMULLAN & SON Offers Reliable Fuel Distributors in Dungannon

Tel: 049 4335333/ 086 8044627 (Declan) Email: corriganfuels@gmail.com Continued Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh

Home Heating Oil | Oil Fuel Distributors Farm/Road Oil | Prompt & Efficient Service Est. Family Run Business | Monthly Payment Plans Keen Prices | Delivery Service Tel: 028 8778 4291 132 Moy Road DUNGANNON BT71 7DX www.hmcmullanandsondungannon.co.uk Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh From

Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh, From

IRELAND LTD. Time for Change!

Protecting the environment now and for the future FRESH COOKING OIL SUPPLIERS LICENSED WASTE CARRIERS 51 Terrenew Road, Dungannon, BT70 3AB Tel: 028-8776 9394 www.arrow-ireland.com E:arrowireland@hotmail.co.uk

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www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

road tankers designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 15:05 Page 3

stainless steel tanker complete with metering system for the conveyance of rapeseed oil for the food industry. That is one of our strongest selling points meeting the customer’s needs," he remarked.

The company operates from purpose-built premises that have been recently extended to cope with the demands of their services. Welding, cutting and folding equipment and all the usual machinery that you would associate with a modern engineering workshop is in plentiful supply.

"We have the equipment to work in steel or aluminum. In this business you have to have all the equipment," he remarked.

Road Tankers' staff is all trained to very high standards, which reflect strongly in the build quality of the company's product range.

Trevor is acutely aware of the important role the staff plays in the ongoing success of the business. He remarked: "They are all highly skilled tradesmen. The quality of their work is second to none and they play a very important part in keeping our customers happy."

The key component in the process - the actual tank - is imported from a leading supplier in the UK. Once the design of the tank has been agreed with the customer, the whole manufacturing process takes about four weeks to complete. He remarked: "A turnaround time of four weeks would be exceptional for this type of business, when you consider the amount of fitting and fabrication that is involved. We specialize in four sizes of tanks, a 5,000 litre mini, a 7,000 litre midi, 13,000 litres and finally a 20,000 litre."

While some customers specify all new equipment, others require what can be best described as a mix and match service. Thus the need for the refurbishment and remounting service.

"Some customers would

A 8600 litre x 3 compartment tanker fitted with Kalflow bottom loading and Alpeco TE550 metering system for Stanley Gordan & Sons

S.E McKay & Sons new mechtronic bottom loading vapour recovery system tanker

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Corrigan Fuel took delivery of a 7000 litre x 3 compartment top loading mini tanker

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FOR ALL YOUR TRANSPORT NEEDS

Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Mechtronic looks forward to working with Road Tankers Armagh in the time ahead

MECHTRONIC LIMITED IS THE UK MARKET LEADER FOR DISCHARGE SOLUTIONS FOR THE RIGID FUEL OIL MARKET 15 Lower Wortley Road, Wortley, Leeds LS12 4RY T: 0113 279 9661 F: 0113 279 9662 E:admin@mechtronic.ltd.uk www.mechtronic.ltd.uk Continued Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh, From

SMS SERVICES STEEL METAL SUPPLIES LTD

Units 8-11 Belfast Industrial Complex, Louden Street, Belfast BT13 2EZ

Tel: 028-9032 2948 & 9024 8664 Email: paul.mann@steelmetalsupplies.com

FOR ALL YOUR TRUCKING NEWS

PERRY OIL. CO

For All Your Home & Agri Oil Tinahely, Co. Wicklow Tel:0402-38241 | Mobile: 086-8169360 Continued Best Wishes To Road Tankers Armagh

www.irishtrucker.com

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come to us with their old tanker to be refurbished and remounted onto a new chassis, while others would want a new tank mounted on a new lorry. It would depend on

individual customer requirements."

Road Tankers Armagh specializes in giving its valued customer base a personalized and professional service,

XL Fuels are now operating a 20,000 litre x 5 compartment aluminium vessel fitted with Alpeco TE550 high speed metered bulk and bottom loading vapour recovery system IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Cloverhill Fuels Ltd have received a typical remount produced by Road Tankers Armagh

where the requirements of the customer are of paramount importance. The company's attention to detail and the build quality are other key selling points.”

He elaborated: "We are strong on giving the customer personal attention. We also specialize in quick turnaround times. We understand the customer wants to get the truck out working as soon as possible, so we work closely with them to that end."

The company can also offer a number of additional services, which can speed the process of getting the truck out on the road and ready to work.

Trevor added that the company attended this year's FPS EXPO show where they displayed their new LF DAF fitted with 8600 litre x 3 compartment bottom loader.

FPS EXPO 2014 is the event of the year for the oil distribution industry in the UK and Ireland. Trevor said: “That he has been delighted to have the truck displayed at the FPS show short listed for the Fuel Oil News Tanker Of The Year” It is a great honor to be recognized in such as way.”

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At the SIMI Awards. From l/r: Paul Smith (Head of Castrol Ireland), Michael Greaney (Sales Manager, Frank Keane Volkswagen), Donal Geoghegan (Dealer Principal), Paul Landers, SIMI President

Top award for Frank Keane Volkswagen Frank Keane Volkswagen was established just two years ago, but since that time, the Dublin based car dealer has gone from strength to strength.

CONTACT DETAILS

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Frank Keane Volkswagen Long Mile Road, Dublin 12 Opening Hours: Sales - Mon-Fri: 9am-6pm Sat - 10am-4pm Tel: 01 4262000 Service Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Tel: 01 4262020

Parts - Mon-Thurs: 8.30am - 5.30pm Fri - 8.30am - 5pm Tel: 01 4262030 Email: info@frankkeanevolkswagen.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

frank keane designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:09 Page 2

O

f course, Frank Keane has a life time of experience in the motor trade as he has been supplying the BMW brand to a large customer base.

In 1967, Frank Keane was awarded the franchise for BMW and since then has managed with great success

to convey the essential BMW message to the Irish public, establishing, promoting and enhancing the brand and reputation of the marque.

Frank Keane offers the highest levels of value and customer care for BMW, MINI, Volkswagen Cars and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles across sales and service.

The experience learned from the many years in the trade was used to set up a Volkswagen dealership on the Long Mile road in Dublin where Donal Geoghegan is Dealer Principal.

For this month’s edition of Irish Trucker, Donal speaks to us about the success of the business and what it means to them to be named SIMI Motor Industry Franchised Sales Operator of the Year and "Highly Commended Aftersales Operation of 2014".

The fourth SIMI Motor Industry awards night was in partnership with Castrol and it celebrated the best practice in the motor industry, acknowledging the work and successful achievements of SIMI members.

Judges praised the team at Frank Keane Volkswagen, recognising; “For sustained commitment to excellence through the provision of premium brands by a highly professional sales team.”

The accolade was announced in front of over 500 of the motor industry’s senior figures at a glittering ceremony at the DoubleTree

by Hilton Hotel, Dublin (formerly the Burlington

Hotel).

“It was a great honour to win the awards, especially as we are only two years operating.

The awards were only made possible through the dedication and endless commitment of our staff, our brand partners in Volkswagen Group Ireland, Volkswagen bank and of course the SIMI,” stated Donal.

“Our commitment to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction, unrivalled choice and consumer value is delivering excellent growth for us and we look forward to building on this platform in 2014.”

These awards are recognition for delivering Exemplary Customer Service, High Quality Sales Function, Adapting an Innovative Approach to Business and Achieving Unbeatable Value for Money.

“We have put a lot of work into developing the business into what it is today. We are very busy at the moment and were number one in Volkswagen sales all last year. These are economically challenging times and we must continue to deliver the high standard of quality that our customers have become accustomed to.”

Frank Keane Volkswagen provides a number of services including sales of new and used cars and light commercials, fleet sales, service, parts, bodyshop and of course after sales.

“Customer satisfaction is our main priority and that is where we will place our biggest focus in 2014. We

see customer satisfaction as the key to building a loyal and genuine customer base. To be the best you always need to be innovative and need to stay ahead of the rest, and we’re good at that.” added Donal.

The Dealer Principal revealed that following the collapse of the Celtic Tiger, people are more price conscious these days and they are more cautious when purchasing a vehicle.

“People will shop around now and it’s a big decision when buying a new vehicle.

That is where our experienced sales staff play their part and are here to get the customer the best deal possible and ensure that they are happy with all aspects of their purchase.”

The Volkswagen name is synonymous in van sales with reliability and efficiency.

Donal told us that at the end of March 2014, Volkswagen van sales made up 23% of the entire market in Q1.

“Volkswagen’s reputation for producing quality vans to the commercial vehicle market is second to none.

Not only are they reliable vehicles, but the residual value which they achieve is far greater than the competitions. This makes selling the vehicles so much easier as people who have the Volkswagen experience never need to reconsider.”

“The Caddy and Transporter are two of the most popular vans in Ireland and have been for some time now and the Crafter and Amarok are achieving great

The Frank Keane Volkswagen showrooms on the Long Mile Road IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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servicing, pre NCT/DOE testing and the famous Frank Keane price promise.

“The majority of people that have vans are in business and we know the importance of getting that vehicle back on the road as quick as possible.

That is why we pride ourselves in being able to do just that so when a vehicle is brought in for whatever work has to be done, our team of technicians will do it as quickly and as efficiently as possible.”

Donal is delighted by how

Donal picks up an award at the Volkswagen awards

market growth.

Each customer is different and has varying needs, which is another area we excel in. We have a dedicated Commercial Vehicle Specialist who is always here to offer his 15 years of

the last two years have went and although they have been challenging times, the team at Frank Keane Volkswagen is determined to continue building on their high standards.

“Volkswagen have built an extensive network throughout Ireland, which has been very supportive to us over the last two years. Our aim is to keep doing what we do best and continue to grow our customer base and maintain our no. 1 position in the network.”

Best Wishes To Frank Keane Volkswagen

experience to the van driver” “Our service department offers a wide range of services also and these include fixed priced servicing, wheel balancing and alignment, tyre check, Volkswagen express

Congratulations Frank Keane on VW dealer of the year 2014

T: 01- 6202030 E: info@bhpinsurance.ie www.bhpinsurance.ie

Motor City, Kylemore Road, Dublin 12

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Telephone: (01) 4500887

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Congratulations & Continued Best Wishes To

Frank Keane Volkswagen Motor Trade Publishers

DENNINGS CARS

BHP Insurances Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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SOUTHSIDE MOTOR FACTORS LTD

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CRASH REPAIR SPECIALISTS

Dublin’s leading car accident repair centre. Founded in 1965 we are an independent family owned business.

Congratulations & Continued Success To

Frank Keane Volkswagen

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BMW & Mini Approved Repairer Authorised Repairer | Insurance Approval Quality repairs to all makes of vehicles

Spawell, Tallaght Road, Dublin, D6W T : +353 1 490 9830 E : repairs@denningsgarage.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

freshford designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:05 Page 1

For all your trucking needs S

Freshford Garages Ltd was established 34 years ago this year. PJ O'Sullivan was the man behind the genesis of this Kilkenny based company and through hard work and dedication; the business has grown considerably over the years and is still supplying a top quality service to a large customer base to this day. pecialising in VTN testing or Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness testing as it is now known is one of the many services provided by Freshford Garages Ltd. A lot has changed since testing became mandatory in 1980 and in 2004, this family run business built a new modern test centre to cater for Light and heavy commercial vehicle testing to meet all the necessary legislation with regards to this procedure.

Every year there are increasing changes in vehicle testing and the Road Safety Authority is now responsible for the overall supervision of the Commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing system. This is part of the overall implementation of the CVRT reform program.

The CVRT is a roadworthiness test for all commercial vehicles, buses with more than eight passenger seats and ambulances, all over one year old. The purpose of the test is to ensure that these vehicles are in good condition throughout its entire life.

All commercial vehicles must be tested when they are over one year old and annually after that. There are two types of commercial vehicle tests, one for Light

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) and one for Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs).

All existing CVR Test Operators are automatically granted authorisation for a two year transition period - under the Road Safety (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012.

The RSA will notify each CVR Test Operator of the start and end date of

their CVR Test Operator authorisation.

You will be required to apply to renew your authorisation within 18 months from the start date of the CVR Test Operator authorisation.

If you do not apply for renewal of your authorisation within this designated 18 month period then your current authorisation will expire and you will be treated as a "new applicant" and be required to pay a minimum fee of €8,500.

It may also be the case that you are not authorised for a period of time while your application is being processed.

As part of the CVR reform program there are some other changes that will be implemented which will impact on CVR Test Operators and CVR Testers at a later stage including the introduction of a new CoVIS IT System and some changes and improvements to the CVRT Testing process.

Freshford Garages tick all the boxes when it comes to doing everything by the book as PJ's wife Siobhan explains to this month's edition of Irish Trucker.

Siobhan, who runs the office and looks after the administration side of the business states: “There is a massive amount of legislation involved in this industry and all has to be adhered too,

Freshford Garages Limited

Mill Street, Freshford, Kilkenny Tel: 056 8832234 Fax: 056 8832556

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Best Wishes To Freshford Garages Ltd

Leading distributors of a wide range of Industrial engineering products including spray painting and finishing equipment, adhesives and sealants, air line equipment, industrial lubricants and many more John F Kennedy Ave., Naas Rd., Dublin 12 Tel: 01- 4500088

www.murphy-engineers.ie

Best Wishes To Freshford Garages Ltd

M.C. Motor Factors Best Wishes To Freshford Garages Ltd, From

Wishing Continued Success To Freshford Garages Ltd, From

Collection & Disposal of Waste Tyres From Your Door!!

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Suppliers of Trailer Spares | Road Springs Clutches, Brakes for all leading makes of trucks nationwide

Loughduff, Co. Cavan T: 043- 6683217 F: 043- 6683317 E: mcmotorfactorscavan@gmail.com Best Wishes To Freshford Garages Ltd, From

Best Wishes To Freshford Garages Ltd, From

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

76

www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

freshford designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 13:06 Page 3

otherwise we would not be allowed to operate.

“The RSA have made a lot of changes to the legislation and we comply with all regulations that are in place.

We are N.S.A.I approved for tachograph calibration and repairs as well as authorised for vehicle plating. We are also ISO approved and meet the standards required.

“Every year the premises would be checked to make sure everything is up to standard. We strive to meet these standards and ensure that our customers' needs are met with the highest level of service possible.”

Siobhan revealed the list of services that the company provides to their large customer base and it proves that they are a one-stop shop for the transport industry.

“Apart from the testing, as I mentioned we do tachograph calibrations and vehicle plating. Brake disc skimming for trucks and trailers is also another service provided. This is where the brakes can be checked without taking the wheels off and it means less down time for the haulier.

“Full diagnostics is carried IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

out on DAF, Volvo, Scania, Mercedes and Mitsubishi models.

We also remanufacture engines, gear boxes and differentials. We install EBS as well as doing aluminium welding.

Customers can also avail of the 24hr breakdown service that we have, while we have computerised tracking available also.

“There is a large parts department here that stocks parts for DAF, Scania, Volvo and Mercedes. We also do tyre sales. Repairs and maintenance is a big area of the business as well. My son Donal would look after that side of the business. We offer a one-stop shop for the majority of the needs of the transport industry.”

Another service provided by Freshford Garages is safety vehicle checks that are carried out every few months following the introduction of the 46 tonne gross legislation. This is where hauliers can operate at a gross combination of 46 tonne instead of the previous limit of 44 tonnes. To ensure this annual checks must carried out on the vehicles and if found unsafe, they will be taken off the road.

Freshford carry out checks to make sure that everything is in order and this can take a lot of hassle away for the haulier.

Siobhan added that the success of the business would not be possible without the loyal support and hard work of their employees.

From PJ and Donal to Martin, Liam, Peter, Mario, Ronan, Noel and Bernie, all have played their part in the evolvement of the business.

“Much of the success is down to the staff. They are all highly trained and very efficient in their jobs and without them we would not be able to provide the high level of service that the customers have become accustomed too.”

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T

here have been some landmark developments at Peadar Barker Haulage in the last couple of years. With demand for the excellent service provided increasing and extra work secured as a consequence, Peadar has added five new Volvos to his fleet,

bringing the total in-house fleet size up to an impressive 15, five of which are leased from Murphy Commercials in Galway.

Regular work is also generated for five subcontractors, increasing the total number of trucks on the road each day

to 20.

“We have secured two new contracts with Coillte – hauling timber for export to sawmills in Tipperary and Waterford and that has helped,” notes secretary Leanne Flynn. “We still haul for ECC [Earrai Coillte Chonnacht Teoranta – the

Barking up the right tree ese are extremely progressive and exciting times for Peadar Barker Haulage, a Mayo based family business which is very clearly moving in the right direction. Sixteen years on from the company’s inception, we caught up with Leanne Flynn to discuss recent developments at the timber haulage specialist, including the signing of two important new contracts and a significantly expanded fleet.

CONTACT DETAILS 78

Peadar Barker Haulage Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo Tel: 087 2109550 Email: barkerhaulage@yahoo.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

barker designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 14:53 Page 2

largest exporter of timber products into the UK] in Galway, which is our local sawmill here, and that accounts for the majority of our work. They produce finished timber for houses, roofs, railings at roadsides etc. and most of their products are also exported.”

While things are going very well for the team at Peadar Barker Haulage right now, there is no room for complacency as the transport industry is a very difficult environment to operate within at a profitable level. Due to the difficult economic conditions that prevail, one has to keep their wits about them at all time: “Things are on the up all the time and it’s really good to be able to keep the lads in work – that’s one of the main things,” Leanne continues. “Of course, with the price of diesel and other overheads, it can be a struggle, but we are determined to keep the show on the road.

“The work itself is also challenging, so we have to maintain our high standards and professionalism all the time. For the new contracts with Coillte, for example, there are quotas to be met every week and backloads to take into the equation as well, so there is a bit of added pressure there. But we have the experience and we also have the team and equipment to deal with this” On Coillte’s recommendation, Peadar has also had the innovative Blue Tree

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

fleet management system installed on all his trucks and this is proving very beneficial in terms of guaranteeing the security of timber at all times.

Peadar Barker Haulage is very much a family business. As well as the eponymous founder / managing director, there are three other members of his

family involved: William Barker is transport manager and organises the movement of lorries to and from the woods and sawmills, while nephew JJ Flynn (driver) and niece Leanne Flynn (secretary) also play important roles in day-to-day activities.

In total, gainful employment is provided

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COLLINS HAULAGE LTD Continued Best Wishes To Peadar Barker Haulage, from

Knockanean, Ennis, Co. Clare Contact Office 087 -2763824 Email: chlbq2006@gmail.com

Best Wishes To Peadar Barker Haulage, From

NH Commercials Best Wishes To Peadar Barker Haulage From

Commercial & Agricultural Fitters Light Engineering Deerpark, Westport, Co. Mayo.

M: 087-6392024

E: noelhcommercials@gmail.com

Best Wishes To Peadar Barker Haulage From

HEDDERMAN Transport

Haulage Insurance | Commercial Insurance Equestrian Insurance The Bushels, Cornmarket, Wexford Tel: 053- 9155 600 | Fax: 053- 9152 821 www.wrightcover.ie

Wright Group Brokers Ltd t/a Wright Insurance Brokers, Wrightcover is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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Wright McHugh Insurance Ltd is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

We offer a wide range of transportation services

Best Wishes To GENERAL HAULAGE Peadar Barker Haulage LIVE FISH TRANSPORT SUPPLIER OF SOLID www.omalleytransport.com FUEL AND BOTTLED GAS Mulranny Rd., Newport, Co. Mayo T/F: +353(0)98 41300 M: +353(0)86 2578763

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Tankardstown, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.

Tel: 087-2437503

E:noelhedderman@hotmail.ie

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Peadar Barker Haulage From

J.&N. BARRETT. LTD Timber Transport

Doonamona, Killala, Co. Mayo Tel: (096) 34178 Mobile: (087) 2581926

FOR ALL YOUR TRUCKING NEWS IRISH

www.michaelogrady.ie

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& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

www.irishtrucker.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

barker designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 14:53 Page 4

to a staff of 16 full-time employees plus a mechanic, who is pretty much on site around the clock. The staff is very much the greatest asset at this successful timber haulage firm.

“We have a great workforce who keep the wheels turning Monday to Friday,” Leanne continues. “It’s not easy work but the lads roll their sleeves up and get on with it. Only for them, I don’t know where

we’d be.”

It’s seems likely that the policy of expansion will continue in the short- to medium-term future at least.

“As demand for timber is so high, we will consider expanding the fleet further,” says Leanne.

“Since Christmas, we’ve leased two new lorries and also bought one, and I have no doubt that we will be adding to that this year. By the end of the year,

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

it is conceivable that we will have 20 of our own lorries on the road, plus the subcontractors.”

As most of the timber is hauled out of the south of the island – Cork, Kerry, Tipperary etc. – a lot of miles are covered and the weekly diesel bill is astronomical.

“The diesel rebate is a help and it should help us keep the overheads down a little bit at least.

“But the price of parts is still on the up and that is a major concern, because you have to maintain the fleet in top running order. It’s very expensive to upkeep the fleet, with the state of the roads in and out of the woods.” What Leanne omits to add is that sometimes the condition of the roads outside the woods isn’t much better!

Regardless of this, these are really encouraging times

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for Peadar Barker Haulage, however, and all the signs are positive that this company will continue to thrive for many years, nay decades to come.

“We’re pleased with how things are going,” Leanne concludes. “Peadar knows he wouldn’t be where he is today

without the help and support of a number of people. He would like to thank our customers – including Coillte and ECC – for their support down through the years and also our hard-working staff, who have been with us for many years and are completely

reliable - that’s a big, big help. Also, our subcontractors, who represent the company and never let us down.”

Well into its second decade of existence, Peadar Barker Haulage is only getting started!

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Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo Castlerea, Servicing • Repairs • Batteries Co.Roscommon Wheel Balancing & Brakes Ballaghaderreen Tyres & Exhausts • Diagnostics Co. Roscommon Best Wishes & Continued Success To Peadar Barker Haulage

Continued Success & Good Wishes To Peadar Barker Haulage 82

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

coshla designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 14:17 Page 1

A

one-stop shop for all your concrete needs, Coshla Quarries Ltd. - a limestone quarry situated on 70 acres at Cashla, Athenry - was established in October, 2007 and cut its teeth in considerable style by providing materials for the N6 (Galway-Dublin) dual carriageway.

This major scheme consisted of 56km of dual carriageway between Galway and Ballinasloe; a 7km link to the Loughrea bypass; 32km of side roads; and five junctions. It served as a perfect launching pad for Coshla Quarries, who extracted 2.6 million tonnes of limestone from their quarry between October, 2007 and October, 2009. Five years on, the company is still going strong.

One of the reasons for their ongoing success is that Coshla is a multi-skilled company which places a major emphasis on quality and excellence through every facet of their operation.

Rather than avoid requests for specialist or bespoke solutions, they thrive on such challenges!

General manager Martin Collins, who is an expert in concrete design, notes: “We have been holding our own in the last few years and I suppose that’s all any company connected to

construction wants to do. It’s just a case of paying your bills and sticking in there.

We are fighting the good fight and we are keeping ourselves fairly busy.”

At present, a team of thirteen is

employed directly as well as up to fourteen subcontractors depending on the workload and orders at any given time.

Fleet-wise, Coshla Quarries maintains a respectable presence on the road:

e concrete specialist For a specialist concrete service, look no further than Coshla Quarries in Athenry, County Galway, who provide all grades of concrete (including low-carbon), crushed rock and concrete blocks to a host of satisfied customers along the west coast and beyond. We caught up with general manager Martin Collins and got an update on the range of products and the thoroughly professional service provided.

CONTACT DETAILS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

Coshla Quarries Cashla, Athenty, County Galway.

Tel: 091 389020 Fax: 091 389021 Email: info@coshlaquarries.ie

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Delighted To Be Associated With Coshla Quarries

Killaskillen | Kinnegad | Co. Westmeath T: +353 (0) 44- 9379200 | F: +353 (0) 44- 9379201 www.lagancement.com Continued Best Wishes To Coshla Quarries From

W.Kenny & Sons Transport Ltd Kiltrogue, Claregalway, Co. Galway

Mobile: 087-2361865 Mobile: 087-6633513 Continued Best Wishes To Coshla Quarries, From

Top Oil Galway FREE PHONE 1800 200 308 Order on line at www.top.ie 84

Best Wishes To Coshla Quarries From

Galway Metal Co. Ltd. Bureau International de la Recuperation et du recyclage

THE SCRAP PEOPLE

Oranmore, Co. Galway

The Metal Merchants Association of Ireland

WE BUY ALL FERROUS AND NON-FERROUS METALS T: 091-794358 F: 091-790 218 E: mark.casserly@galwaymetals.com

Wishing Every Success To Coshla Quarries, From

MIDLAND VULCANISING

VULCANISING & REPAIRING OF CONVEYOR-BELTS ON SITE Killina, Rahan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly

Tel: (057) 93 55725 • (087) 2551681

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

coshla designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 14:17 Page 3

“Our main product is concrete and we operate a fleet of five concrete trucks, which would be on the road most days.

Four of them are on the road permanently.

On top of this, we also have our pick of six subcontractors who we can call upon at any given time. We also subcontract work to a block haulier four days a week.”

The in-house lorries are part of the Statcroft Transport & Civil Engineering Ltd. fleet. Statcroft is a Turloughmorebased company which is owned by Coshla Quarries director John Morris. It was formed in 1991 and has undertaken a large number of major roadwork, pipeline, bulk excavation, concrete, ducting and haulage contracts down through the years.

All concrete blocks manufactured by Coshla Quarries carry the CE mark, while the concrete is also endorsed to EN 206 standards, so no stone is left unturned in ensuring the very highest quality at all times. “We have full factory-control procedures in place for our blocks, aggregates and concrete, which means full traceability,” Martin adds. “We were prepared for the new building regulations before they came into place on March 1st this year. You need to have those systems

in place for blocks and aggregates, but we had all the paperwork and testing etc. done well in advance.”

The fleet comprises two DAFs, two Hinos and a Volvo, all kept in shape by the company’s in-house mechanic, who

doubles up as a lorry driver when he’s not busy in the workshop. Indeed, in the current climate, versatility of staff members is important. “We multi-task our staff in order to survive,” Martin notes. “It’s important for them to have more than one

Best Wishes To Coshla Quarries Athenry Depot Ballydavid, Athenry Tel: 091-845329 Galway Depot Riverside Ind Estate, Tuam Road, Galway Tel: 091-769636 Kevin Burke Labane Depot Ardrahan, Co. Galway Tyres Tel: 091-639752 Best Wishes To Coshla Quarries IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

www.kevinburketyres.ie

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PLANT HIRE, CRUSHING SERVICES, SUPPLIER OF STONE, TOP SOIL ETC SITE CLEARANCE & UNDERGROUND CARPARKS Lackaghmore, Turloughmore, Athenry, Co. Galway Tel: 091-797750 Fax: 091-797387 Mobile: 087 -2677842 Email:darrenos@statcroft.ie

www.statcroft.ie

Continued Best Wishes To Coshla Quarries

Castlewarden, Straffan, Co. Kildare

IMPORTER-DISTRIBUTOR OF ALL TYPES OF Conveyor Belting | Fasteners Rollers | Rubber Cladding

Best Wishes & Continued Success To COSHLA QUARRIES

IRISH

& LIGHT COMMERCIALS

www.irishtrucker.com 86

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Coshla Quarries Best Wishes & Continued Success To Coshla Quarries From

ERIC POWER & COMPANY

ACCOUNTANCY, TAXATION & MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY

Sillaheen, Ballymacarbry, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Telephone: 052-6136342 Email:ericpower.fcca@gmail.com

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

coshla designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 14:17 Page 5

Coshla Quarries were designing a specialistgiven the task of concrete with high early day strength time keep its consist and at the same hours in the concret ency up to four e distance to site and bottles due to the the pour. The helicopter duration of the half a cubic meter at could only bring was in Oughterard on a time. This job 15 Network Services on th May for Grid International. The job behalf of ESB was a success, there was 20 cubic me ters po with the helicopter. ured

skill. One of our salesmen, for example, would also drive a concrete bottle some of the time. For when things go quiet, we’ve also got the lads tickets for loading shovels, so they can work in the quarry either.”

Steady as she goes has been the name of the game at Coshla Quarries, pretty much since the company’s inception. “We opened as a fresh quarry in ’07 and we had the motorway contract to keep us going for the next three years, so we never really saw the recession in ’07. We never really saw the good times either, in fairness, other than supplying the motorway. We’ve been steady and we’ve kept our heads above water through our

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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ValueTech Liebherr AJK

Sole distributor for LIEBHERR Truck Mixers, Concrete Pumps, Concrete Batching, Recycling Plants, Wheel Loaders for Ireland Sole distributor for AJK Hookloaders and Skiploaders for Ireland

Manufacturer of ValueTech Tele-Belt Concrete conveyors and ValueTech Telescopic Drop Chutes

SPECIAL PURPOSE INSTALLATIONS UNDERTAKEN Continued best wishes to all at Coshla Quarries

BGN Sand & Gravel Ltd. Best Wishes & Continued Success To Coshla Quarries From

Brooklodge Demesne, Ballyglunin, Tuam, Co. Galway

T: 093-41202 | F: 093-32846 Email: bgnsand@hotmail.com

Myles Higgins Haulage

Best Wishes To Coshla Quarries From

Specialise In The Transportation of Blocks & Concrete Products Hillsbrook, Barnaderg, Tuam, Co. Galway.

Email: joeflynn@live.com

Tel: 087-6397760 Best Wishes To Coshla Quarries From

ROCK BORING | BLASTING QUARRY DRILLING

Carraroe, Co. Galway T/F: (091) 595 077 Mobile: (087) 248 1245 E: stephenlydonandco@eircom.net

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Coshla Quarries From

Declan Collins H A U L A G E

Carnmore, Co. Galway Telephone:

(087) 6813386

Continued Best Wishes To Coshla Quarries From

CONCRETE PRODUCT TRANSPORT LORRY & MACHINERY HIRE | SAND & GRAVEL

Ardrahan, Co. Galway T:091-635349 M:087-2848519/087-7616067 88

Domestic - Industrial - Commercial Member of A.E.C.I. & R.E.C.I.

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE & REPAIR

Brownstown, Thurles, Co. Tipperary T: (0504) 22439 M: (087) 2560377 F: (0504) 22636 Email: tomelyelectrical@hotmail.com Wishing Continued Success To Coshla Quarries IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

coshla designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 14:18 Page 7

knowledge of the concrete, construction and civil engineering industries.

“You have to be an authority on the product and that’s our greatest strength.

We know what we are talking about. We pride ourselves on our knowledge of the product and how it will behave.”

Martin himself boasts an unrivalled knowledge of the concrete technology end of things and that is also a major asset to Coshla Quarries. “We have two staff meetings every week, to make sure that everyone is completely on top of things,” he adds.

One area that is becoming increasingly important is low-carbon concrete. To this end, Coshla Quarries uses GGBS from Ecocem in its concrete as a way of reducing the carbon footprint. As well as improved workability, pumpability and compaction characteristics for concrete placement, GGBS also offers a myriad of other advantages including increased strength, reduced permeability, extended life cycle, virtually zero emissions, improved surface finish and lower costs.

“Our catchment area can be up to 90 kilometres from base,” says Martin. “You have to be very careful not to go too far with concrete because the hydration can start kicking in and you could lose a bottle. Having said that, we can use our knowledge of our products to lengthen the life of the concrete and using lowcarbon concrete is one of many ways of doing this.”

Looking to the future, Martin says there will be no drastic changes to the Coshla Quarries approach: “We will continue as we are,” he confirms. “If we do the same business this year as we did last year, we will be happy enough. We would then hope to see an increase in profits in 2015.

“All of our products arrive in perfect condition every time. Our staff are well trained. We go above and beyond the regulations governing the industry.”

It’s a true labour of love for Martin Collins and, trust me, I don’t include such a tired cliché lightly: “A lot of people have my mobile number and we can take, adjust or replace an order at any time. We pride ourselves on giving 110% on service and we think outside the box.

“I am constantly trying out new ideas and new mixtures. We have our own laboratory here where we look at different ways of making our concrete better. That process is constant. I supervise all testing and design all the concrete myself and, I have to admit, I thrive on the more challenging requests.”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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tate of the art vehicles are now common place on Irish roads as passengers can now avail of all the mod cons now available on coaches such as WiFi, reclining seats and airconditioning to name just a few.

The success of any company can be gauged by it longevity and to this end one of Ireland’s leading coach operators is Donegal based Feda O’Donnell Coaches or Bus Feda as it is known these days.

For over 50 years now, the O’Donnell family have been providing a travel service to a large passenger base as they operate throughout the 32 counties and indeed a specialised four times weekly service to and from Glasgow.

The genesis of the business began

way back in 1961, when Feda O’Donnell returned from working in Scotland and set up his own taxi business. A few years later, a 29-seater bus was brought on board facilitating local groups as well as a run to Glasgow. From there, the business grew steadily and when Feda’s brother in law Micheal suggested running a bus service from Donegal to the NUI Galway, the company was about to take its next giant step as the Donegal-Sligo-Mayo-Galway route was born.

To this date, Bus Feda’s main route is from Donegal to Galway which runs twice daily seven days a week. Feda and his wife Brid have continuously worked hard to ensure that the business maintains the standards that their every

increasing passenger base is accustomed too.

These days their son Brian has come onboard and is the Transport Manager for the company. Brian has carried on his parents’ ethos of delivering a high quality service and he speaks to Irish Trucker about the success of the business.

“These days, we offer a wide range of services including the service work, private charter, day trip and tour work,” said Brian.

“We have a number of luxury vehicles on the road and these are used for school tours, cross channel football trips and cruise ship day excursions. Last year, we started doing some tours around Ireland and we were delighted the way they went, so we will be looking

Driving to Success Coach travel in Ireland has certainly moved with the times as luxury and comfort are two of the key words in this industry today.

CONTACT DETAILS 90

Feda O’Donnell Rannafast, Annagry, Co. Donegal Tel: 00353 (0) 74 9548114/00353 (0) 91 761656/0044 (0) 7919204821 Fax: 00353 (0) 74 9548114 Email: busfeda@gmail.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Feda O’Donnell Coaches travel some of the most scenic routes in Ireland

to build on that this year.”

Situated in Ranafast, Co Donegal means that Bus Feda is located in the heartland of the Gaeltacht community and Brian revealed that they cater for

students during the summer months.

“We would carry a good number of the students that attend the Gaeltacht during the summer months. This picks up some of the slack left when the schools and

Feda O’Donnell, Brid Ni Dhomhnaill, Brian O’Donnell and Nicole O’Donnell at the ILTA Awards

colleges close during these months.”

Bus Feda operate a fleet of eight coaches all of which are kept in pristine condition, while maintenance work is carried out in-house by their own

The company was established in 1961 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Best Wishes To Feda O’Donnell From

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Continued Best Wishes To Feda O’Donnell Coaches From your Specialist Paint Suppliers

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Canal Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal P: 074-9168555 e: autopaintsupplies@eircom.net

Best Wishes to Feda O’Dónaill Coaches From

T: 074 9145148 F: 074 9145215 E: raphoehardware@gmail.com www.raphoehardware.town.ie

Inver Auto Electrical Services Continued Best Wishes To Feda O’Donnell From

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Wishing Continued Success To Feda O’Donnell From

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24 HOUR RECOVERY SERVICE

Ballybofey Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal Tel: 074-9121005 (Day) Fax: 074-9124257 Email: mcdaidbros@eircom.net IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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mechanics.

“The fleet is upgraded fairly regularly and a new 141 bus has just arrived, we also bought a brand new one last year and these have replaced some of the older models in the fleet. We do all our own maintenance and not only are these cost effective, but it also cuts down on downtime, which is the one area that we strive to avoid at all costs.”

Of course, the biggest outlay for any transport company is the fuel bill and Brian admits that this is something that they and their staff are very conscious of.

“The fuel rebate introduced has been a help, while we endeavour to buy fuel efficient vehicles. The drivers are all experienced and they are fuel conscious.

“We buy our vehicles direct off the

manufacturer and the latest addition to the fleet has a Volvo chasis and a Plaxton body. We have a good relationship there and are pleased with all the vehicles that we have bought.”

Bus Feda strive to ensure that the remain at the forefront of their field of expertise and Brian recently received an award from the Irish Logistics & Transport Award for scoring the highest marks in Ireland in the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) Transport Manager CPC exams.

“The Swilly Group came on to do the training on site and it was a three-week intensive training course. I was delighted to win the award and its shows that we always want to progress.

The hills of Donegal make for impressive viewing

“There are 18 people employed here and all play their part in the success of the company, from the drivers to the mechanics and office staff, which includes my aunt Sally Roarty who has been with the company since the midnineties.”

So what does the future hold for Bus Feda? “We have a couple of things in the pipeline and one of those would be to push the Glasgow route and hopefully increase the runs we do there. Another is to provide a private service to and from Knock Airport, but the main thing will be to continue providing the service that our passengers are used to on the routes that are already there.”

Best Wishes To Feda O’Donnell

Best Wishes To Feda O’Donnell Technical Transport Products Woodside Ind. Estate, Woodside Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, BT42 4HX

Phone: +44 (0) 28 256 46481 Fax: +44 (0) 28 256 40351 IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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he company was established in 1972 by Mervyn Wilson who remains its driving force, and is joined in the business by his family.

Determined to offer top-quality bedroom furniture and beds at good value prices and to give customers the highest possible level of service, he opened the first Starplan factory in Dungannon, Co. Tyrone in 1978, employing 10 staff.

As the company developed, the factory was expanded with more showrooms opening around the UK. Starplan quickly became a pioneering force in the beds and bedroom furniture manufacturing / delivery / installation sector.

Today, with a 150,000 sq. ft. purpose-built factory boasting stateof-the-art machinery and a 210-strong workforce, Starplan is a leading directsales bedroom furniture company delivering to over 15,000 homes in the UK every year. However, it remains very much a family business which will always put the customer first, and has retained its headquarters in Dungannon.

At Starplan, you can choose from one of the widest ranges of bedroom furniture in the UK - from free-standing bedrooms to luxurious fitted bedrooms, with a fantastic choice of colours, styles and budgets to suit everyone.

The company’s focus is on giving exceptional service from design and manufacturer through to delivery and installation.

All employees are professionally trained and the level of customer care afforded to the consumer from Starplan is simply second to none.

When it comes to best-quality fitted children’s bedrooms, modern bedrooms and traditional bedrooms, sliding wardrobes; free-standing furniture from Solo, Solsbury and Allure; and Vono beds, Starplan won’t be bettered.

“Mervyn started selling furniture as a one man operation before opening his

first premises outside Dungannon and starting to manufacture,” Starplan transport manager Declan Rafferty explains.

“In the 1970s he built a factory in Granville Industrial Estate and that served us until 2002 when he opened the existing state-of-the-art facility close to Dungannon, which serves as our manufacturing base and also has a showroom built in.

“This is our flagship premises. All the manufacturing takes place here and the furniture is then shipped to England

through McNeill Transport in Ballyclare.”

Declan, who joined Starplan in 1984, oversees a fleet of 12 vehicles out of Dungannon, a further nine out of the Birmingham depot and seven out of the Warrington depot near Manchester.

In 2010, he oversaw the installation of a Navman wireless tracking system in Starplan’s fleet of delivery trucks. The decision was taken as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to operating an effective fleet in order to guarantee an exceptional level of customer service.

Star quality Dungannon-headquartered Starplan is the UK’s largest bed and bedroom furniture manufacturer, selling directly to customers from its factory stores in Northern Ireland and Britain.

CONTACT DETAILS 94

Starplan 173 Killyman Road, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone BT71 6LN Tel: 028 8772 3663 www.starplanbedrooms.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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As Starplan can make up to 110 deliveries per day across the UK, the tracking system helps them keep everything on schedule, resulting in better fleet management, improved teamwork, increased productivity and greater fuel efficiency.

“We can see where all the vehicles are at any given time with just the push of a button and we have also benefited from a 25 per cent reduction in insurance costs as well as the obvious savings in terms of diesel usage,” Declan continues.

“While this was an expensive system to install, we have always looked at the long-term benefits of technology and we expect it to start paying for itself within the next two or three years.”

Starplan runs a fleet of Ivecos, which are changed every four years. “They’re all purchased from NI Trucks in Belfast, with a full contract maintenance package. We find this to be the most economical arrangement,” he says.

The collapse of the Republic of Ireland market saw Starplan switch its focus more and more to the UK mainland where they have increased their number of showrooms from three to seven.

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

“It would be wrong to say the recession hasn’t affected us because at the end of the day a bedroom unit is a luxury item, but we have held our own and the product is still selling well.

“Our aim was always to produce furniture that was competitively-priced but over the years the quality of

The Dungannon-headquartered company boasts a large and modern fleet

Starplan’s furniture has also improved substantially, to the level where our furniture is now as good as anybody else’s, but aimed to suit individual pockets. We also offer keen financing packages, which can take a lot of the pressure off the buyer.”

Starplan customers can take

Starplan is the UK’s largest bed and bedroom manufacturer

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Starplan has been trading since 1972

advantage of zero per cent interest-free options. As Starplan manufacture everything they sell and rigorously control the quality of each item and its installation in your home – with a buying direct policy resulting in factory direct prices – quality and value are assured. All materials are sourced from reputable, ethical suppliers and Starplan maintains demanding quality control standards in its factories.

Thanks to modern computer design software, customers can see the latest Starplan fitted wardrobe exactly as it will appear in their room.

With over a dozen Starplan showrooms throughout the UK, prospective customers can get up close and

personal with the entire range of over fifty display bedrooms, each beautifully decorated and waiting to transform the purchaser’s home.

Starplan now owns Vono Beds - one of the oldest and most respected bed manufacturers in the UK. After selling Vono beds for over a decade, Starplan took the opportunity to purchase Vono – who have been manufacturing top-quality beds since 1896 - when it came to the market in 1982, knowing that Vono stood for the same things as Starplan quality, choice and value.

Rather than making thousands of beds a week, Starplan concentrates on making a smaller amount of bespoke beds, which are

individually-tailored to suit the needs of customers and can come with a warranty of up to five years.

As for the future of the transport end of things, Declan Rafferty concludes by saying: “We have to keep the

overheads down. The biggest factor is obviously the cost of diesel. Even though it has come back a small bit, diesel remains very expensive and this is a huge issue for everyone in the transport sector.”

We are pleased to be a tyre supplier to Starplan and wish them continued success for the future

DEPOT LOCATIONS Armagh • Dungannon • Saintfield Belfast • L/derry Castleblayney • Dublin

Tel: +44 (0)28-37510666

D.W. McNEILL & SONS LTD HAULAGE CONTRACTORS

Specialists In The Transportation Of New Furniture To And From Scotland, England, Wales & Ireland Avondale Ind Est., Ballyclare, Co. Antrim BT39 9AU Tel: 028 -9334 2396 Fax: 028- 9332 2346

CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO STARPLAN

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RACS is a voluntary compliance scheme which was introduced by the tyre sector in January 2008, in response to new waste management regulations from the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government. Prior to this, the movement of tyres in Ireland was unchecked and there was little knowledge of the final destination of significant numbers of waste tyres. The tyre industry, which had been incorrectly blamed for dumping waste tyres, approached the Government and proposed a voluntary industry initiative to track all tyres on the market.

The Minister for the Environment approved the scheme. Now anyone who is involved in tyre retail, wholesale, importation or recycling has to be registered by law with a compliance scheme such as TRACS. In 2012, approximately 3 million tyres, mostly car tyres, were imported into Ireland for supply. TRACS accounted for

3 in every 4 tyres imported. Furthermore, TRACS also accounted for 9 in every 10 waste tyres collected and treated either in this Ireland or abroad.

Given the increasingly fluid and fragmented market place, there is a greater number of smaller retailers fitting a variety of new and part-worn tyres. Currently, TRACS’ retail members account for about 59% of tyres directly fitted onto vehicles in Ireland.

The overall objective of TRACS is to ensure the proper channelling of tyres in Ireland and to promote their recovery through legitimate reuse and recycling when the tyres become waste. This is done by tracking and reconciling the movement of tyres and waste tyres through the supply chain. TRACS’ members include indigenous Irish companies, renowned international tyre organisations, waste collectors and retailers.

Members only allow the collection of waste tyres by licensed

collectors. TRACS is completely confidential. With over 35,000 tonnes of waste tyres produced in Ireland each year, TRACS fulfills an important role in stopping the uncontrolled movement of waste tyres.

TRACS membership has grown from 310 sites in 2011 to a current total of 950 sites. This represents quite a substantial increase of more than 300% in just over two years. The total number of sites registered with TRACS has also more than doubled since then. In 2011, a total of 310 sites were registered nationwide, while 454 sites have been registered in the first two months of 2014 already.

Fiacra Quinn is a director of TRACS. Pat Kierans joined in March, 2011, having been involved in the motor trade for 20odd years, and has overseen a huge rise in membership during a relatively short period of time.

According to Pat, “A small percentage of people still opt to register with their local

Tyre Compliance Making bigger TRACS than ever before Membership of TRACS (Tyre Recovery Activity Compliance Scheme), Ireland’s largest and most successful tyre compliance scheme has increased dramatically since Irish Trucker last spoke with TRACS in 2011. Irish Trucker caught up with sales manager Pat Kierans to get the latest news on Ireland’s first, largest and most prestigious compliance scheme for all those involved in the Irish tyre supply chain.

CONTACT DETAILS

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

For any queries about TRACS, contact: Pat Kierans, TRACS, First Floor Office, Dyer Street, Drogheda, Co, Louth Email: pat.kierans@tracs.ie Tel: +353 (041) 9805289.041 9805287 Fax: +353 (041) 9805298 www.tracs.ie

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authority rather than with a compliance scheme, but most people are finding that it makes far more sense for them to register with TRACS. They now trust that all information is confidential and won’t be passed onto anybody. That trust has taken time to establish, but there is greater understanding now throughout the industry of how the system works.

Once you are registered, we will list you on our website as a registered member free of charge; we’ll do all the paperwork; and it’s very inexpensive. We issue a certificate to our members and we’ll submit all their returns to the Department Of Environment. Registered waste collectors have proper permits to collect tyres and there is a positive environmental benefit too. The bottom line is that compliance is helping to regulate the industry and TRACS makes life easier for our members “TRACS’ system is proven and it is audited annually. Our members include major players like Bridgestone and Goodyear as well as all the big importers.

Our aim is to continue to grow in the future and to continue to provide a topclass compliance scheme.”

TRACS offers many advantages to its members. Costs for registration and administration are low. Members are exempt from having to submit reports to the local authorities on a quarterly and annual basis. The scheme doesn’t levy a deposit or collect a tipping fee and invests in the best security and data management systems and procedures to ensure absolute confidentiality and security. Anonymity is 100 per cent guaranteed, due to strict controls which ensure that no information can be reproduced other than in aggregate as required under the regulations.

Operators should register with TRACS if they import, supply, sell or fit tyres or if they collect or reuse waste tyres. The membership fee is only €20 per year for retailers / wholesalers / waste collectors and TRACS assists with all documentation, while taking care of all other administrative requirements.

TRACS’ professional team takes all the stress out of the paperwork. All members have to do is simply email or fax documents. Furthermore, members can submit tyres by weight instead of unit if preferred. By joining TRACS, tyre industry operators, suppliers, and waste collectors fully fulfill their waste management obligations under new (and existing) regulations.

According to Pat: “TRACS is making steady and continuous progress in convincing new tyre industry players,

98

many of them small operators, to put the proper channelling of their waste tyres at the centre of their business model. We have been communicating the message of what happens to a waste tyre to both the trade and the public as well as asking people to think about what happens to the waste and their responsibility in that process. We have occasionally had to revoke memberships in the odd instance where the retailer cannot show where they sourced the tyres or what they did with the waste.

“In this regime, and under the current Regulations, ownership of the waste remains with the waste holder; which is the retailer. Current enforcement of waste management practices is an ongoing task for the local authorities, not only regarding the environmentally sound management of waste tyres by permitted waste collectors, but also on the retailers who are only allowed to store a certain quantity of waste on their premises.

However, in Europe the prevailing model is for importers and manufacturers to take ownership and direct responsibility for their products when they become waste, via the collection and treatment of waste tyres through the non-profit collective scheme. This is one of the options being considered for the future.”

A review of the Producer Responsibility Initiative Model, proposed for the Irish Tyre Industry was published at the end of 2013. The report has recommended

Pat Kierans, Sales Manager with TRACS

changing the scope of the current selfcompliance model to a centralised electronic, Producer Responsibility Initiative, which would be operated by a single scheme like TRACS. TRACS has welcomed the Department’s conclusion that there should only be one scheme and is very supportive of the idea that the system needs to operate on an all island basis, so as not to disadvantage operators in the Republic of Ireland. However, TRACS also believes that the industry is currently well placed to meet the requirements of the Waste Management Regulations 2007, without the adoption of a new and full PRI process.

“There is a general consensus in the industry sector, that a full PRI would only work on an all-island basis, both North and South,” according to Pat. “With regard to a robust monitoring and audit system, we have already built a very solid foundation in these processes, one on which we believe the interests of all invested bodies are best served.

“The review has several positive recommendations,” says Pat. “The level of illegal storage of waste tyres has decreased overall in Ireland and storage guidance for used and waste tyres would be very useful. Improvement in the identification of non-compliant producers, targeted enforcement actions carried out by local authorities and setting penalties at an appropriate level are all practical

TRACS Director, Fiacra Quinn IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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propositions.

In addition, sustained communication to make economic operators aware of their obligations, e.g. the benefits of being compliant and the risks associated with the lack of compliance, has been at the

forefront of TRACS awareness campaigns for several years now.”

The Tyre Recovery Activity Compliance Scheme has been actively communicating through various media to convey the message of

Continued Best Wishes To TRACS From

compliance.

“Long term, we are encouraging industry operators to only deal with registered dealers and waste collectors,” says Pat. “We would recommend that hauliers and holders of waste

tyres ask their collectors to produce proof of proper waste management such as a ‘Recovery Certificate’. This document ensures that tyre waste is being appropriately handled.

Any approved collector should be able to produce this when asked. We would encourage all hauliers to actively ensure that their tyre suppliers are managing tyre waste properly and are registered with a compliance scheme such as TRACS. “The message is definitely getting across.

Industry behaviour is changing for the batter and that is the reason we are experiencing such phenomenal increases in membership. In the future, electronic chips will be introduced in tyres, so that you can trace a tyre throughout its lifetime.

Eventually those big increases will level off, as most people realise the benefits of membership with a company like TRACS and non- compliant operators become a rarity.”

MICHAEL HAHESSY

Tyre Recycling Ltd 086-3035153 Kilkenny

For More Information Contact

Dan Mc Hugh on 087- 908 6637

Best Wishes & Continued Success To TRACS

Household Collections | Skip Hire

TYRE RECYCLING www.ecological.ie

Clermont Business Park Haggardstown Dundalk, Co.Louth T: 042 9370152 F: 042 9323033 E: sales@ecological.ie CONTINUED BEST WISHES TO TRACS IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Temple Auto Salvage was established in 1970 by Hector Neill

s a vehicle dismantler and approved ELV center, not to mention a reputation as one of Northern Ireland's leading car salvage dealers, Temple Auto Salvage boast many strings to their bow.

“We basically specialise in anything to do with cars,” is how Alan - who runs the business along with his brother Philip – put it.

Based at two sites in Lisburn and Ballynahinch, the company is also heavily involved in the used car parts market and stock a wide and varied range of recycled car parts.

Whether you are looking to realise the value of a roadworthy or un-roadworthy vehicle, find a specific part for your car, or purchase a used vehicle, the family-run business can help to solve your enquiries

as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.

“My end of the business is the recycling of cars – depolluting cars, end of life, dismantling and spare parts while Philip looks after the salvage end,” added Alan.

Established in 1970 by Alan and Philip's father Hector Neill, Temple Auto Salvage handle all types of motor salvage and can deliver vehicles, salvaged engines and used car parts throughout the UK and Ireland.

They run a 24 hour recovery service throughout Northern Ireland and their two depots allows them offer a fast and reliable response to any situation.

They have storage facilities for up to 1000 cars and covered secure storage for prestige vehicles or vehicles that need to be inspected by insurance companies or the relevant authorities.

The company started off specialising in vehicle recovery and the re-sale of damaged repairable vehicles before adding dismantling and recycling of cars and commercial vehicles to their range of services.

They sell reclaimed engines and used car parts to the motor trade and the general public and also operate car salvage contracts for several major insurance companies and can therefore offer a wide range of vehicle salvage and used parts at competitive prices.

Temple Auto Salvage holds contracts with many well known insurance companies enabling them to provide their customers with lots of choice when it comes to accident damaged cars and light commercial vehicles of all grades; from full breaking vehicles for spares to light

Customer comes first at Temple Auto Salvage Temple Auto Salvage has been in business for 44 years and they pride themselves on their broad range of services, providing customers with dedicated auto solutions which fulfill a range of requirements.

CONTACT DETAILS 100

Temple Auto Salvage 11a Knockany Road, Bailiesmills, Lisburn, BT27 6YB Tel: 028 9263 8359 Fax: 028 9263 9803 Email: into@templeautosalvage.com Web: www.templeautosalvage.com IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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Temple Auto Salvage handle all types of motor salvage

damaged repairable vehicles.

Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm and 9am to 1pm on Saturday's, Temple Auto Salvage is now a fully licensed ELV (end of life) center and are one of only a few licensed authorised treatment facilities currently in operation in Northern Ireland.

Employing 10, the Neill family-run business is alway keen to keep up to pace with changes in the industry and they are currently exploring methods of further expanding their business.

“Business is not actually too bad at the moment,” revealed Alan who also spoke highly of the contributions made by the company's yard manager

Temple Auto Recovery run a 24 hour recovery service throughout Northern Ireland

David McKee and salvage manager Dion Elliott.

“As you know there was the downturn but the economy seems to be kicking off again. I think that is down to the fact that people are starting to spend money again. Houses are beginning to sell and that brings everything on. There was nothing being built there for a while.

“If our customers are looking for a spare part, there's a very good chance that we'll have it in stock while we're looking to boost the recovery side of the business again. That was always a good earner.

“We're concentrating on selling on eBay at the moment and we do a lot of business in

the south. We offer next day delivery which is a big selling point while there's very little cash transactions nowadays, practically everything transaction is visa cards now.

“The web is the future of our business. It's a shop window for our business and gives you access to customers all over the world. These days you can post to anywhere in the world so it very much something we are looking into.”

In these competitive times, Alan and his team appreciate the importance of customer relations.

“There are so many competitors in this business but people will always come back to you if you give a service,” Alan opined.

“Word of mouth is vital in this business. I find that we have customers coming in who say so and so told them about us and recommended us. I like to hear that as it means that our customers are happy with our service.

“I view competition as a healthy thing, it keeps you on your toes. If you offer an efficient service it will stand you in good stead.”

Temple Auto Salvage has no concerns on that front. Contact them to find out more.

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59a Ballylone Road, Ballynahinch BT24 8XX Tel: 028-97561240.

E: info@railwayautospares.com www.railwayautospares.com

Best wishes to Temple Auto Salvage in the future

Continued success to Temple Auto Salvage from 50 Farranfad Road, Seaforde, Co. Down BT30 8NH Tel: +44 (0) 28 4481 1227

www.seafordemetals.com

“OFFERING COMPETITIVE PRICES WITH A FAST & RELIABLE SERVICE”

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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L

New stock

coach operation is that it is located within easy reach of all parts of Ireland.

The business was established on January 1st, 2010 and the company name was chosen due to its inherently central location. Proprietor Liam Farrelly estimates that 60% of Ireland is within two hours!

Central Bus & Coach provides a large number of services to coach and bus operators in Ireland. These include – but are by no means limited to – new and used vehicle sales; parts for all UNVI products as well as Mercedes (approved stockist), DAF, Volvo, MAN, Ford etc.; servicing for all makes of bus and coach; Company MD Liam Farrelly warranty repairs for UNVI;

ocated in the picturesque village of Keenagh, County Longford, Central Bus & Coach is the main distributor for UNVI bus and coach products in Ireland. One of the many strengths of the multi-faceted bus and

windscreens and glazing for all types of buses and coaches.

The vast range of services provided in the state-of-the-art workshop includes air conditioning service and repair, DOE preparation, brake testing (rolling road), tyre fitting, towing and recovery (underlift), valeting and signwriting.

Reflecting on the genesis of Central Bus & Coach, Liam notes: “I set the business up at the start of 2010, having been involved in the coach sector since 1988 with Farrelly’s Coaches and Athlone Coaches. We have 25 buses running under those banners.

“In late ’09, Esker Bus & Coach went into liquidation and UNVI were left without an agent in Ireland. We took that agency on and are now the main importer and distributor of UNVI in Ireland.

“We already had our own workshop here

Centre of Excellence Central Bus & Coach Ltd. is the one-stop shop for bus and coach sales, parts and service in Ireland. It is also the new name for UNVI in Ireland. We dropped into the company’s well-appointed and ‘central’ base in Keenagh, County Longford and got an insight into day-to-day operations from founder / managing director Liam Farrelly, who has been involved in the bus / coach sector for 25 years.

CONTACT DETAILS 102

Central Bus & Coach Keenagh, Co, Longford Tel: 043 3322023 Fax: 043 3322233 Email: liam@centralbusandcoach.ie www.centralbusandcoach.ie IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

central bus designed_Layout 1 23/05/2014 12:51 Page 2

in Keenagh for looking after our fleet and we started to offer that service - as well as parts, glass etc. - to other bus and coach operators. We have a fantastic facility here, which was build brand-new in 2003, with a three-bay workshop and lifts, brake testers and vehicle washing facilities. It’s a state-of-the-art workshop and the fact that we had that was a big help in us securing the UNVI agency.”

UNVI is an internationallyrenowned manufacturer of passenger transport vehicles (buses, coaches, midis, microbuses, wheelchair accessible vehicles, VIP vehicles) and special vehicles (library buses, clinics, mobile offices, etc.).

It was established in 1995 and is part of the huge Perez Rumbao automotive group, with production plants in Ourense, Spain and Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.

Between both facilities, a production capacity of 600 vehicles per annum can be achieved. UNVI vehicles operate in more than 19 European countries and also in several countries on the American, Asian and African continents. Its bodies perform passenger transport services in major European capitals and cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Porto, St Petersburg, Rome, Brussels, London, Dublin, Berlin, Munich, Athens and Oslo.

“We carry a selection of new buses in stock but most would be bought on

Central Bus & Coach Ltd in Keenagh, Longford

order,” Liam continues. “UNVI would be the market leader in small-medium-sized coaches and I’d estimate that there would be around 1,000 of them on the road in Ireland at present.”

Across the board, Liam provides employment to a total of 30 people – a

Paul Molloy checks stock IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

massive boast to the local economy in these difficult times. “We took on some of Esker’s staff and we also bought up a lot of their parts,” he reveals. “We have parts here for all makes and models of buses and we do literally anything to do with buses or coaches, including a lot of

Johnny Curran replaces a coach window

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to see.”

Looking to the future, Liam hopes to consolidate his business by continuing to provide an excellent range of products and services: “We will carry on as we are,” he concludes. “We have spent a number of years establishing the business and we will continue to focus on giving the best possible service.

“We are here for the long haul and we have the back-up in place to give customers the service they need. We will continue to focus on that.”

Workshop technicians Anthony Lawrence, Shane Cox and Johnny Curran Parts Manager Paul Molloy

specialist services like ABS, air conditioning, diagnostics and doors.”

Liam’s son Alan, who has a Business degree, joined the business in 2012, while his wife Mary also plays a key role in the family business, looking after accounts and billing. All in all, the proprietor says these are encouraging times for the coach and bus sector: “We are kept busy and I think things are on the up again. There is a definite change in the mood and mindset of people and lots of guys are buying new buses again, or changing them. The banks also appear to be a bit more flexible again, which is good

Halls Autospares

Best Wishes & Continued Success To Central Bus & Coach

Our workshop caters for repairs to Alternators, Dynamos, Starting Motors, Regulators, Diesel Injectors and Pumps. We also repair vehicle wiring,fuel lines.We stock a large range of alternators, service parts and accessories. We can also supply a wide range of parts for Cars, Trucks, Vans, Tractors, Off Road Vehicles and Boats.

www.longforddieselelectrical.com Battery Rd.,Longford • Phone: +353 (4333) 46813 Fax:+353 (4333) 41027 e-mail: hallsautospares@hotmail.com

104

Quality is not expensive ..........it is priceless Services Available

☛ Crash Repairs | Spray painting ☛ Colour coding of bumpers, grills, mirrors & door handles ☛ Mini bus accident repair ☛ Large coach accident repair (up to 53 seater) ☛ Bus and coach respraying and color change ☛ Rust removal and treatment ☛ Dent removal ☛ Paint chip touch-ups ☛ Plastic bumper welding and refinishing ☛ Welding ☛ Vehicle restoration - classic, vintage and American ☛ Car Servicing ☛ Pre NCT Inspection Killeenlahan, Ballinagore, Co. Westmeath

Contact Jarlath on 086 -8518951

Email: jarlath@jarlathennis.com | www.jarlathennis.com

Continued Best Wishes To Central Bus & Coach IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

IRISH & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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By Email Enclose your postal address and credit card details (Card type, number and expiry date) to contact@lynngroupmedia.com A receipt will be enclosed with your first magazine.

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gemco designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 14:37 Page 1

G

emco Car and C o m m e r c i a l Equipment Ltd. is the largest garage equipment sales and service company in

the UK / Ireland, offering its customers a total one-stopshop solution, from workshop layout drawings to civil works to installation and aftersales

service.

A wholly-owned subsidiary of Danish giant Stenhøj, Gemco delivers the entire Stenhøj programme alongside other

leading garage equipment brands. The focus is - and always has been – 100% on the customer, regardless of whether it’s a one off purchase

No. 1 for garage equipment

For sales and service of a full range of garage equipment – including the design and complete fit-out of car and commercial vehicle workshops - look no further than Gemco. Since its inception in 1985, this marketleading company has developed into the premier supplier of garage equipment in the British Isles. Irish Trucker dropped into the Belfast head office and got an insight into operations from David Barnett.

CONTACT DETAILS

106

Gemco Ireland (Sales & Service Team) 24 Duncrue Crescent, Belfast, BT3 9BW Tel: 048 90772666 Fax: 048 90779251 Email: belfast@gemco.co.uk www.gemco.co.uk

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

gemco designed_Layout 1 22/05/2014 14:37 Page 2

Part of the team at Gemco

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

of one piece of equipment or an entire new workshop project.

Gemco Car and Commercial Equipment operates to the highest standards to ensure that all garage equipment conforms with MOT testing purposes and that it meets all Health & Safety requirements. They can advise on and calibrate equipment, leaving the customer to manage his / her own business without the worry of meeting legislative requirements.

All products and services offered are designed to help maximise productivity, enabling customers to increase profitability and customer satisfaction.

Authorised repair agents for market leading brands such as Autop, BM Autoteknik, Bradbury, Crypton, Dunlop, Majorlift, Mondolfo Ferro, Omitec, and Stenhoj amongst others, Gemco installs, maintains, repairs, inspects, examines and calibrates an unrivalled range of garage equipment products.

No job is ever considered too big or too small.

Regardless of the size of a customer’s business, Gemco offers a service that is second to none and every project /sale is given absolute priority - be for installation, maintenance, breakdown repair or calibration. Every year, Gemco carries out over 90,000 calibration, maintenance and inspection checks as well as 21,000 breakdown repairs across 12,000 customer locations They also offer insurance inspections of vehicle lifts and pressure system examinations.

The comprehensive range of equipment available includes – but is by no means limited to - vehicle lifts, dispensers and drainers, MOT equipment,

A Stenjoj Mobile 72 wireless

brake testers, diagnostic tools and jacks, wheel and tyre equipment, and air conditioning and emission analysers.

The largest garage equipment sales and service company in the UK and Ireland, Gemco was established in 1985 and acquired by Stenhøj in 2000. In 2004 Stenhøj purchased Bradbury Equipment Ltd., amalgamating it into the sales division of Gemco and relocating production to the Danish factory.

Gemco can design and plan any workshop using the latest CAD equipment to maximise the use of space. Employing a specialised and highly-skilled team of engineers, they will manage and oversee the installation of any new or refurbished car / commercial vehicle workshop from start to finish. Operating out of Belfast in Northern Ireland, Gemco provides all-Ireland coverage and has a vast stock of garage equipment spares available for next-day delivery.

Recently, Gemco Car and Commercial Equipment Ltd. announced the formation of a new division within the company to specialise in providing building and electrical works directly to customers. These services – including MOT/ATF lanes, brake tester recesses and floor markings – were already available from Gemco but were previously provided via approved subcontractors. The decision to offer the services

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Stenhoj Maxi

directly reflects Gemco’s strategy of offering customers a total automotive workshop solution with minimal downtime

and disruption.

“We specialise in the sales and service of garage equipment and the calibration

of workshop tools,” David Barnett confirms. “Serving the Republic of Ireland market, we have a four-man service team, one operating out of Dublin, as well as a calibration engineer.

“As part of our installation service, we offer full turnkey project packages, which means we can essentially design and fit-out a complete garage or workshop area from start to finish.

“The service is available right across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and we deal with a wide range of clients from the garage sector.

For example, we are one of the main installers for Advanced Pit Stop and we would have fitted out a new workshop for them every eight to ten weeks during the economic boom.”

This is not a line of business

where one can afford to stand still. To this end, Gemco Car and Commercial Equipment is constantly sourcing new product lines. One of their newest partnerships is with a German company called Sherpa: “We have just recently installed one of their brake testers for South Coast Logistics in Cork and it’s the first one in Ireland or the UK,” David notes. “Sherpa have also launched a new mobile brake tester and we have high hopes for that.”

David is optimistic that in general there is an improvement in the motor industry and he believes Gemco should benefit from the rising tide. “Things certainly seem to be picking up again at the moment,” he concludes.

“Car sales appear to be on the up and that’s a good sign.”

Patrick Lynch Engineering Best Wishes To Gemco, From

Garage Engineering & Maintenance Services Ltd

Contracted by:

13 Wilmount Park, Cobh, Co. Cork

T: 021-4811435 M: 086-8200259 Email: patlyneng@eircom.net

108

IRISH TRUCKER & LIGHT COMMERCIALS

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